Think being politically correct takes extra effort? Spoiler alert: you’re already doing it!

Welcome to Simply Diversity. This bimonthly letter breaks down key diversity concepts and explains how you can apply them... simply. There are plenty of terms heard ‘round the Internet as we prioritize diversity, inclusion and belonging in everything we do. This newsletter explains what these concepts are, why they’re important, and how to practice them. 

Raise your hand if you’ve heard — or said! — some version of the following: You can’t say anything these days! I can’t stand how politically correct we have to be. People are too sensitive.

I think a lot of us (even if we don’t want to admit it) have at least thought some variation of those sentences. In the last few decades our awareness of language has changed. We’re better at understanding what words mean and how they can cause discomfort and pain to others. We know that intentional word choice goes a long way towards creating inclusion. 

And… a lot of people don’t like it! It’s inconvenient. It forces you to slow down instead of speaking automatically. It challenges the way we express ourselves.

What people don’t realize is that we mind our language all the time. Why is it so difficult to do so in the workplace? Read on to find out:

Break it down:

During a class I was teaching at Pepperdine, we were having a similar conversation: students were voicing their frustration that they can’t say what they want, and that the “politically correct” are forcing them to police their language. 

I understand. But you already “police” your language (or code switch) with ease: 

You have no problem minding your words and manners with your parents or grandparents. You might cuss like a sailor with your peers, but if your mother doesn’t want you to, you find a way to make it all the way through dinner without a single f-bomb coming out of your mouth. 

The same is true at your place of worship. You find a way to talk to your Imam, Rabbi, Pastor or Priest without swearing your face off or saying anything inappropriate. 

So... why is it that in the workplace or social situations it’s suddenly trampling your First Amendment rights to NOT say things that might be insulting or degrading to others??

The difference is simple: RESPECT. 

You respect your mother(s). You respect your Rabbi. You respect your boss (I hope). 

You don’t respect the people you’re used to casually demeaning or ignoring or forgetting about. 

That is the bare-faced truth. If you find it inconvenient to mind your language around certain individuals or groups, take a moment to self-reflect because at best, you’re not considering them and at worst, you don’t respect them.

Do Something Different:

You might be thinking, I’m a respectful person! I’d never use a racial slur or ugly word to describe someone.

That’s great, but I’m going to challenge you for a second: does that respect extend to trans and genderqueer people, whose pronouns aren’t what you’re used to? What about words like “dumb” or “lame” that originally described disabled people? How about “insane” or “crazy”? Do you pay attention when someone describes herself as African-American instead of Black? 

• For the rest of today, pay attention to the words you use. Pay attention to the words your peers use. What do you notice? 
• If you find yourself resisting the right word choice because it’s inconvenient for you, ask yourself this question: who am I not respecting right now?

I’d love to hear from you in the comments: what are words that you don’t use anymore? And for those of you who speak other languages — how has awareness of words and meanings changed in that language? And (if you’re feeling brave enough to share!) what are words you still struggle to let go? I've shared mine below...!

My book UNBIAS: Addressing Unconscious Bias At Work hit bookshelves just a few weeks ago! UNBIAS is a tool to create healthy, inclusive, and equitable workplaces. Order your copy here.

Bulk ordering is available for your executive team, ERGs, book clubs, and professional associations, too! You can bulk order UNBIAS here — just make sure you scroll down to “Bulk Orders.”