Project Change’s “The Power of Words”

Originally produced for Project Change Lessons Learned II, also included in A Community Builder’s ToolKit – both produced by Project Change and The Center for Assessment and Policy Development with some modification for Evaluation Tools for Racial Equity web site.

Words and their multiple uses reflect the tremendous diversity that characterizes our society. Indeed, a common language on issues relating to racism is nonexistent. The need for a vocabulary of commonly used terms quickly became evident when we began working, particularly wit h our four local Project Change sites. We discovered that the lack of a common understanding of even the most frequently used words in any discussion on race can easily evoke misunderstanding and confusion, and often lead to controversy and hostility. It is essential to achieve some degree of shared understanding in the use of the most common terms. In this way, the quality of dialogue and discourse on race in America and your community can be enhanced.

Language can be used deliberately to engage and support community anti-racism coalitions and initiatives, or to inflame and divide them. Discussing definitions can engage and support coalitions yet is important for groups to decide the extent to which they must have consensus and where it is okay for people to disagree. It is important to keep in mind - the words that people use to discuss power, privilege, racism and oppression hold different meanings for different people. People at different stages in developing an analysis tend to attach different meanings to words like discrimination, privilege and institutional racism. When people are talking about privilege or racism, the words they use often come with emotions and assumptions that are not spoken.

Many of these and other related terms have evolved over time. For example, given the changing demographic trends in the United States, the word “minority” no longer accurately reflects the four primary racial/ethnic groups. The terms “emerging majority” and “people of color” have become popular substitutes. Also, the terms used to refer to members of each community of color have changed over time. Whether to use the terms African American or black, Hispanic American or Latino, Native American or American Indian, and Pacific Islander or Asian American depends of a variety of conditions, including geographic location, age, generation, and sometimes political orientation.

For more information, see Tipsheet 1a.