Public Speaking

Use Language Ethically (^159)
firefighter for fireman. Other language that excludes assumes that relationships are all
heterosexual or that Americans are synonymous with US residents. (Canadians, Brazilians,
and Guatemalans are also Americans.)

Present People and Groups Positively

Phrases such as just a secretary, white trash, or dumb blonde are put-downs or dismissive

language applied to people in ways that discounts their ideas. Epithets frame negative

perceptions of people or groups. Examples of slurs include sissy, dumb jock, computer nerd,

and little old lady. In contrast, terms such as computer genius, athlete, or retiree create more

positive or more neutral images.

Mention differences only when they matter in the context of the speech. For

instance, say “my professor” unless it is somehow important to say “my Latina professor.”

Don’t mention someone’s competency as if it were unusual for that group: Instead of

“an intelligent welfare recipient,” simply say, “a welfare recipient.” Don’t describe people

with disabilities as pitiable, helpless victims, but don’t suggest they are more heroic,

courageous, patient, or special than others, and avoid contrasting them to normal people.^39

dismissive language

put-downs; language that

discounts the importance

of someone’s viewpoint

I

n early 2014, female leaders from business, politics, nonprofit organizations, and

entertainment banded together to create a “Ban Bossy” campaign.^40 They contended that

words like pushy or stubborn or bossy or the other b-word are often attached to girls and

women who take leadership roles. In contrast, a boy or young man who makes decisions

and tells others what to do is a leader. They argued that bossy is unequally applied to

women more than men. One supporter, Beyoncé, says women should instead say, “I’m not

bossy; I’m the boss.”

Pushback was swift—even by women. Detractors chalked the campaign up to

feminism gone awry in attempt to control what we could or should say. Others accused

the founders of banning bossy by being bossy. Parodies sprang up on the Internet as

men and women began to talk about the language used to describe women. Overall, the

campaign drew attention to the language used to describe women.

Questions

1. Do you think the word bossy is demeaning to girls? To women?


2. Does negative speech ever violate someone’s human rights?


3. Read some of the comments online about the Ban Bossy campaign. What do you think
   the organizers were trying to do?


4. List some negative words used to describe girls or women. If a boy or man acted in a
   similar way, what words might describe him?

ethiCs in

praCtiCe Ban Bossy?

In short, terminology is not neutral. Your word choices can influence audience

perceptions regarding issues as well as individuals and groups. The fact that some lan-

guage choices demean others raises ethical questions and colors your listeners’ impres-

sions about you. Choosing inclusive, positive language shows respect for diversity and

enhances your credibility as well.

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