Lecture on Language Choices and Political Polarization

Introduction

• Importance of precise language choices
• Example of news presented in two ways:
  • Conservative: "1,000 illegal aliens were arrested..."
  • Liberal: "1,000 undocumented immigrants turned themselves in..."
• Highlighting polarized politics and the role of language

Language Choices and Political Tribes

• Media and political partisans use language to signal political affiliation
• Examples:
  • Left: Equity, lived experience, oppression, pronouns, gender-affirming care, Latinx
  • Right: Snowflake, deep state, mainstream media, Alpha, illegal alien, woke
• Importance of non-partisan language in news for wide-ranging perspectives

Problems with Language in News Reporting

• Independent nonpartisan news outlet: Tangle
• Initial issues with losing readers over language choices
  • Example: Terms like "pro-life" vs "anti-abortion" or "women's healthcare"

Solutions for Polarized Language

1. Compromise When Possible

• Immigration example: "unauthorized migrant" instead of "illegal immigrant" or "undocumented immigrant"

2. Use Group's Preferred Terms

• Examples:
  • Pro-life vs. Pro-choice
  • Anti-abortion term use if the group uses it themselves
  • Latino/Hispanic preferences over Latinx due to low acceptance and offensiveness among Hispanic people

3. Follow Rational Judgment

• Example: Capitalizing "Black" vs. "white"
  • Arguments for and against
  • Decision to not capitalize "Black" based on broader persuasive reasoning

Communication Beyond Language Choices

• Responsibility of media and individuals to connect across political tribes
• Avoiding offense and listening neutrally
• Examples of divergent term use:
  • Left: lived experiences, pronouns; Right: deep state, mainstream media
  • Israel and Zionism: Different definitions by different groups (Jewish nationalist movement, self-determination, colonial movement)
• Tactic: Define terms in discussion for mutual understanding

Final Thoughts

• Be sincere, avoid pandering
• Communicate for more than one political tribe
• Tolerate different language choices
• Neutral language and tolerance are achievable with effort
• Open to suggestions for improving communication across political spectrums