Page 9 - Challenging Discriminatory Language Pocket Book
P. 9
Encouraging reflection on language
• It's important to challenge discriminatory language in a
way which avoids making learners feel defensive.
• Evidence suggests that feelings of defensiveness can
actually worsen any underlying prejudiced attitudes.
• Approaches which encourage reflection on the
meaning and impact of what was said are likely to be
more effective.
• Examples of phrases which can help to address the use
of racist language could include:
What happened?
• What were your thoughts at the time; were you aware
that what you said sounds racist homophobic,
transphobic, disablist etc., and could hurt someone?
• What have been your thoughts since; have you
considered that this language is discriminatory?
• Who has been affected by what happened and how
have they been affected?
• What do you need to happen now; do you need more
information about discriminatory language and how it
affects people?
• In each case, the best approach to addressing
discriminatory language will depend on the context and
the age group of the young people involved.
• Having a good understanding of the language around
race, racism, homophobia, transphobia, religious
hatred, disablism etc. is useful in these instances
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