Category Archives: Language Politics

On Twitter, White Men With Followers Can Change Racist Behavior

Posted on November 21, 2016 by Ampersand

This researcher programmed bots to fight racism on Twitter. It worked. – The Washington Post The Post’s headline isn’t quite accurate. For one thing, they weren’t really “bots” (which to me suggests a program operating somewhat autonomously); they were puppet … Continue reading →

Posted in Language Politics, Race, racism and related issues, Racism | 3 Comments

The Map of Love, by Ahdaf Soueif

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Richard Jeffrey Newman

I have written before about how impoverished our vocabulary for love is, and so I found this post on Facebook by Ajam Media Collective absolutely fascinating: Post by Ajam Media Collective. Cross-posted.

Posted in Language Politics, Writing | 12 Comments

“Undocumented Immigrants” versus “Illegals”: A conversation about power and respect

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Ampersand

A very short play (or maybe a future comic strip, if I think of a punchline): SHERMY: Now, what William here proposes we increase widget production. BILLY: Actually, it’s “Billy,” if you don’t mind. SHERMY: I think I like “William” … Continue reading →

Posted in Immigration, Migrant Rights, etc, Language Politics | 146 Comments

Dear Obama: Women Are People. Not just the Wives, Mothers and Daughters of People.

Posted on February 16, 2013 by Ampersand

In the State of the Union, Obama used a habitual rhetorical device for referring to women: “We know our economy is stronger when our wives, mothers, and daughters can live their lives free from discrimination in the workplace, and free … Continue reading →

Posted in Feminism, sexism, etc, Language Politics, The Obama Administration | 13 Comments

If it’s rape, call it rape

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Richard Jeffrey Newman

An interesting article by the public editor of the New York Times, Arthur S. Brisbane, in response to complaints he received about how the Times’ handled descriptions of the allegations against Jerry Sandusky. Some readers, responding to The New York … Continue reading →

Posted in Language Politics, Rape, intimate violence, & related issues | 4 Comments

Kids Say the Darnedest Things!

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Richard Jeffrey Newman

I was sorting through some old papers and came across a photocopy of this clipping from what I am pretty sure was The New York Times. I have not, however, been able to confirm that. If anyone can tell me … Continue reading →

Posted in Language Politics | 25 Comments

In Defense Of The "B" Word

Posted on September 28, 2010 by Ampersand

[Crossposted on Family Scholars Blog, Alas, and TADA. Arguments for the legitimacy of discrimination against LGBT people are not allowed on Alas.] In this post, I am not arguing that opposing same-sex marriage (SSM) is a bigoted policy. I will … Continue reading →

Posted in crossposted on TADA, Language Politics | 19 Comments

The Politics of Language

Posted on March 19, 2010 by Richard Jeffrey Newman

When I was getting my master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), we learned about a study–I wish I could remember the details, but it’s been more than 20 years, and I have forgotten–which measured the … Continue reading →

Posted in Immigration, Migrant Rights, etc, Language Politics | 11 Comments