They can’t argue over facts so they argue over words

I received one of Chris’ newsletter where he wrote “They can’t argue over facts so they argue over words.”

Think about it:

Was America “discovered” or was it “invaded” in 1492?

Is a school shooter “mentally ill” or a “terrorist”?

Are these people screaming in the streets “protesters” or “rioters”?

Is the military “arresting criminals” or “taking hostages”?

Every choice of words paints a different mental picture.

Chris asked “Who gets to have power? Who gets to perpetuate power, and how? And… who is supposed to shut up and politely let themselves be subjugated?”

This is also part of inclusive language. Who is speaking? And about whom? What words do people who don’t agree with them use? What are their respective values? If you compare what they say to the facts, who do you agree with? How do you get access to texts by people with lived-experience? Are there stories that are systematically invisibilised and ridiculed?

Be careful about the words you repeat, and the ones you choose. And, if you feel like it and can do so safely, I agree with Chris: “Keep speaking up.”

Link to the newsletter: https://newsletters.cjscllc.com/p/they-cant-argue-over-facts-issue-20?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=comment&utm_campaign=general