Words have a lot of power. Some phrases we use might unintentionally support inequality, especially about white privilege. Even if we don’t mean any harm, these phrases can hurt others. It’s important to think more carefully about the words we use every day to avoid unintentionally causing division in society.
All Lives Matter
In response to the Black Lives Matter movement, this phrase was thrown around freely, implying that Black people were expectant of privileges. The reality was quite different, and the phrase was both ignorant and dismissive. It overlooked the specific struggles of the Black community and the importance of addressing the unique challenges they faced.
I’m Not Racist, But…
In the same vein as the phrase, ‘I don’t mean to sound horrible, but…’, whatever follows this phrase is usually something problematic. Prefacing a statement with this phrase doesn’t excuse the implicit bias or prejudice it might contain. Even if the statement is innocent, it starts a conversation on a backfoot.
You Speak So Well
This phrase, when said to people of color, can come off as patronizing and imply that articulateness is unexpected from certain racial groups. It might stand up in a discussion with a French tourist who is learning English, but it carries negative connotations when said to a Black individual who has no reason to speak poorly.
I Don’t Have a Racist Bone in My Body
Racism is not about individual bones or isolated incidents, and many racist individuals have said the same thing. While that’s not to accuse anyone of being racist, the issue at hand is based on systemic problems and unconscious biases. This phrase ignores the complexity of racism and privilege.
I’m Colorblind
Within the given context, the phrase is, of course, metaphorical in nature, but claiming to be colorblind ignores the real and lived experiences of racism. No one is blind to skin color, and saying otherwise is unnecessary. It’s important to see and acknowledge color to understand and address racial disparities.
You’re so Exotic
Speaking to a person of color as you would a Hibiscus plant is anything but the done thing. Referring to a Black person as exotic is likely to make them feel like outsiders in their own country. While it might seem like a compliment, it emphasizes difference rather than shared humanity.
Why Don’t We Have a White History Month?
Every month is effectively White History Month, given the focus on European and white American histories in education and media. White people are largely celebrated, and the key lies in recognizing under-represented groups. Black History Month highlights marginalized histories.
Everyone Can Succeed if They Work Hard Enough
This ignores systemic barriers like racism and simply doesn’t translate to the real world. While the Western world raises us to believe that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to, there remains in place economic disparity and unequal access to education and opportunities. This truly can prevent hard-working individuals from succeeding.
It’s Just a Joke
Excusing racist or insensitive remarks as jokes dismisses the harmful impact they can have on people. Humor should never be used passively when referring to a person’s race, culture, gender, or ability. It’s harmful and unnecessary.
You’re Playing the Race Card
This phrase invalidates the real experiences of racial discrimination and implies that someone is unfairly using their race to gain advantage or sympathy. There are situations when racism might be applied to an innocent set of circumstances, but it shouldn’t be implied that this is always the case. It’s always better to gain a full understanding of the problem first.