Word Choice Is an Opportunity to Match Your Impact with Your Intent

<p dir="ltr">There are words that we use so often that we rarely stop to consider the impact that they can have.</p> <p dir="ltr">The word <em>but</em> is often used when we discuss things like Black History Month. “It’s important but, it’s the shortest month of the year…” The word <em>but</em> negates what comes before it. When you use the word <em>but</em> you may be negating the lived experiences and realities of others without even realizing it.</p> <p dir="ltr">For the final episode of Black History Month, Erica discusses why we need to be more conscious of when we use <em>but</em>.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>In this discussion:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">How the word but negates experiences and realities</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">A case for keeping history, heritage, and cultural months on the calendar</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Why using the word but doesn’t soften the impact of your words</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">How to use language as a clue to how you’re processing</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Resources:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Learn more about land acknowledgments at <a href= "https://native-land.ca/">native-land.ca</a></p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Listen to <a href= "https://pauseontheplay.com/potp/ep126?rq=e.k.%20powell">Erica and E.K. Powell on African American Vernacular English</a></p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Ready to dive deeper</strong>?</p> <p dir="ltr">Any time that we discuss language and word choices, it’s important to consider how it impacts people and the intended or unintended harm that can happen when we are not mindful with one of our most important resources: our words.</p> <p dir="ltr">Inside <a href= "https://pauseontheplay.com/community">The Pause on t