In recent years, conversations about social justice, equality, and identity have become more common, and the way we communicate is changing as a result. This shift, often labelled “woke culture,” has stirred both praise and criticism, but there’s no denying that it’s leaving its mark on our everyday language.
Gender-Inclusive Language
One of the most significant changes has been the push for gender-neutral language. Terms like “he” or “she” are now often replaced with “they” to include those who don’t identify strictly as male or female, and this shift encourages a more inclusive approach.
Rethinking Historical Terms
Many terms and phrases that were once considered normal are now being re-evaluated for their historical baggage; words like “master” and “slave,” often used in everyday settings, have been challenged for their connection to racism and slavery. The goal here is to stop using language that might perpetuate negative stereotypes or evoke painful history.
Calling Out Microaggressions
Microaggressions are those subtle, often unintentional, comments or actions that marginalise people. Thanks to modern culture, there’s more awareness about how certain phrases or questions can be hurtful, even if they seem harmless on the surface, with phrases like “you speak so well” or “where are you really from?” now widely recognised as problematic.
Normalising Pronoun Introductions
It’s becoming more common for people to introduce themselves with their preferred pronouns, even in professional settings or during social events. “Hi, I’m Alex, and my pronouns are they/them,” is no longer unusual, and this practice is intended to create a more inclusive space where people feel comfortable being themselves.
Replacing Offensive Terms with More Inclusive Language
Terms that were once commonplace, such as “crazy,” “lame,” or “insane,” are now being reconsidered because they might be offensive to certain groups, particularly those with mental health or physical disabilities. While some people appreciate the effort to avoid causing harm, others find it exhausting to keep up with the evolving list of acceptable terms.
Focusing on Cultural Appropriation
So-called ‘woke culture’ has shone a spotlight on cultural appropriation, where aspects of one culture are adopted by another, often without permission or understanding. This includes everything from fashion choices to the way we speak, and words, phrases, and even accents can be seen as disrespectful when taken from marginalised cultures and used out of context.
The Rise of Trigger Warnings and Safe Spaces
Becoming a standard part of many conversations, especially online and in academic settings, trigger warnings are meant to prepare individuals for potentially upsetting or harmful content. Alongside them, the concept of “safe spaces” has emerged, where people can discuss topics without fear of judgement or harm.
Avoiding Gendered Job Titles
Terms like “policeman,” “fireman,” or “chairman” are being swapped out for gender-neutral alternatives like “police officer,” “firefighter,” and “chairperson.” This change is designed to break away from the assumption that certain jobs are tied to a specific gender, yet some argue that it feels like unnecessary overcorrection.
Advocating for Body Positivity in Language
The body positivity movement, closely linked with progressive culture, has sparked changes in how we talk about bodies and appearance, and there’s a growing push to avoid commenting on someone’s appearance altogether unless it’s necessary. The idea is to reduce body shaming and create a more accepting view of different body types.
Emphasising Intersectionality
Intersectionality—the idea that people can face multiple forms of discrimination based on factors like race, gender, class, and sexuality—is influencing how we discuss social issues. This more nuanced way of thinking is seen by many as a necessary step to understanding the full picture of inequality, but others find it overly complex and challenging to apply in everyday conversation.
Reclaiming Previously Derogatory Terms
In some cases, groups that have historically been marginalised are reclaiming words that were once used against them. For example, some LGBTQ+ communities have reclaimed the word “queer,” turning it from an insult into a term of empowerment, and this process of reclaiming language is empowering for some, but it can also cause confusion for those unsure of when it’s appropriate to use.
Addressing the Use of Slang and Vernacular
Slang that originates in marginalised communities, especially Black or LGBTQ+ communities, is becoming mainstream, with terms like “lit,” “shade,” and “woke” itself having been adopted by the broader population. However, this raises questions about the ethics of using language from cultures you don’t belong to.
Encouraging Allyship Language
The new generation promotes the idea of allyship, where people support marginalised groups by advocating for their rights and using language that shows solidarity. Terms like “privilege” and “systemic oppression” are becoming more common, as is the language of being an “ally” or “accomplice.”
Avoiding Assumptions About Race and Ethnicity
There’s a growing effort to avoid assumptions about someone’s race or ethnicity based on their appearance or name, which encourages people to ask respectfully if they’re unsure or to avoid bringing up race unless it’s relevant. The aim is to reduce stereotyping and make conversations more thoughtful.
Amplifying Marginalised Voices
Modern society has placed a strong emphasis on listening to and amplifying the voices of marginalised groups, and this means being mindful of who gets to speak in conversations about identity, race, and inequality. People are encouraged to step back and give space to those whose experiences are often overlooked.
Creating Accountability in Conversations
More than ever, people are being held accountable for the things they say, both in public and private. Whether it’s an off-colour joke or a phrase rooted in outdated thinking, ‘woke’ culture encourages us to think twice before speaking, but some argue it’s led to a climate where people are afraid to speak freely for fear of being “cancelled”.
Emphasising Consent in All Areas
The language of consent has expanded beyond its traditional context of sexual relationships to include everyday interactions, such as asking for permission before taking a photo or ensuring someone is comfortable with a conversation topic. Consent is becoming a key part of how we communicate.
Critiquing Capitalist and Corporate Language
Lastly, modern culture has also led to a re-evaluation of the language used in corporate and capitalist environments. There’s a push for language that values self-care, work-life balance, and mental health rather than the “grind,” but some believe it undermines the importance of hard work and ambition.
