Page 9 - Challenging Discriminatory Language Pocket Book

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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