Not a Minority- Why Language Matters is ending biases and improving Mental Health

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving children, individuals, and families in the private and public sector for over 15 years I understand what the intended purpose is when using the word Minority when referring to certain populations. When used appropriately the word really refers to a group that is not part of a majority. It is not intended to be negative, harmful or biased when used in this way. Unfortunately, the word Minority however is used quite often in negative forms to refer to certain groups through many platforms such as the social media. The way the word is used now in many instances has completely changed the meaning and purpose, making the use of it feel harmful and negative.

The use of the word in this negative form has created an opportunity for the word to really hold a bias. I personally have supported many children, and adults who experienced the harmful effects of the word when used inappropriately.

Why then have we been referring to certain groups using this word and how does this action affect their mental health? While we examine the use of this word let us also reflect on the use of other words such as Immigrant, Alien, and Hispanic. Words have power, they can break people, thus language should be respectful. In an effort to improve our own mental health and that of those around us, we should lead efforts aimed at identifying & replacing words that encourage oppression and victimization. Now more than ever our society is being called on to become active participants in the work to address the generational abuse and trauma faced by oppressed communities. As we fight for the rights of all oppressed and vulnerable groups our duty is to ensure we use strategies that change the way we discuss culture.

Why I refuse to use the word Minority

One of the definitions for the word minority is “a group in society distinguished from, and less dominant than, the more numerous majority, a racial, ethnic, religious, or social subdivision of a society that is subordinate to the dominant group...” according to Dictionary.com.

As a child I felt this word was used to refer to my community as being less than. As an adult I experienced the word being manipulated to define & confine my community, and now as a social worker I often supported students and families who have been experienced negative biases as a result of the use of this word, as well as others such as illegal alien. The media is doing an excellent example of using language and/or terminology to portray the stereotypes associated with belonging to a minority group, rather than demonstrating all aspects including the positives of being a part of that minority group. In an article titled, “On Race: The Relevance of Saying ‘Minority’”, Edward Schumacher Matos referenced the following quote:"… "minority" is part of a media language "mired in euphemisms and the tortured, convoluted syntax that betray America's pathological avoidance of straight talk about race relations. .. minority status is insulting to blacks, Latinos and Asians and ignores their cultural influence on the mainstream. …the emphasis encourages victimization.”

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working in the education field, I have had to listen to endless accounts from my students on how this word has negatively impacted the way they view themselves. They do not understand why this word is used to reference their community, or ethnicity. I have had to process with my students the implications of this word as well as others such as "immigrant", and "alien." Many of my students shared the way the use of this word made them feel: "ashamed, sorry, less than, and inadequate". These experiences will forever stay with me. I myself have endured many harsh experiences of racism and discrimination while growing up as an immigrant in the south Bronx. Even this word “immigrant” is just another example of an attempt to refer to a certain group in a derogatory, and inferior form. As a young teenager I was once forced out of a NYC Yellow Cab, by a driver who insisted I could not afford to pay him; and while I screamed and fought against his hands which he used to drag me out of his car, he insisted no Latino "minority" living in the Bronx could not afford to pay his fare, as I lay in the ground on which he threw me; I was once again reminded of a word that was used to encourage victimization, hate, and violence. Do we even realize the implications of such actions, the re- traumatization, and re victimization that occurs in moments like these?

Many of my students shared how these words always had a cruel way of reminding them that certain words were part of a vocabulary that was not only accepted but used to put them in their place, perpetuating again stigmas, and reinforcing the biases made by using this word.

The impact of negative words/ affirmations/ language

Negative words, affirmations, and language can have a detrimental impact on our mental, spiritual, and physical health. We all have negative thoughts about ourselves at some point in time in our lives. But our thoughts and feelings about ourselves may unfortunately become our reality. To avoid this from occurring we must identify the negative language that can perpetuate negative thoughts and decide to replace our vocabulary with words that develop strong and healthy human beings. I invite you to think about what it would be like explaining to someone else; that they are considered to be less than someone else based on one simple word. Now reflect on how this might affect their self-esteem, and self-worth. Think about the feelings of sadness, fear, isolation, anger, and difficulties with understanding & acceptance of their own identity they will experience. The constant use of certain words in a derogatory context or, and the language they hear, and read being used to refer to them will affect the way they view themselves, and the world.

The implications of positive affirmations/ words/ language

What if, as soon as students awoke, they heard & visualized positive words and language? These words would become positive affirmations & transpire into positive thinking. The development of Language that has the potential to develop feelings of strength, love, value, and acceptance within our students. Words to emphasize the power of our own individualism of our “minority” groups. A reminder that no two people are alike therefore our contributions to this world are just as valuable as those of any other group. The use of positive words and affirmations in our daily lives, can improve our selfesteem, feelings of self -worth, physical being, and our overall mental and emotional state. While we examine these implications, let’s examine our self-care, how do the words we use to refer to each other affect our overall being & that of others? Part of our toolbox or care plan should include removing words that we use to reinforce biases or may be associated with stigmas.

How to move forward

Our experiences and those of our students need to be validated, and not minimized or compared to those had by others. My experiences are my own, and It is not my intention to equate what I lived through with that of others. It is my intention however to shed light on the pain that is felt when we use language in a derogatory form.

Many of my students have suggest educating others on what the use of the meaning of these words are and the damaged that can be inflicted if we use them inappropriately! This communication and education suggested by students involved transparency, honesty, a judgement free zone. Students also shared holding those accountable for using words out of context and with intent to harm, because of you remain silent and do not act or have a consequence, it implies compliance. These practices shared by students can ignite the healing process, from the wounds left by these senseless acts. Allowing students, and adults alike to re-examine and magnify the beauty of our differences and be intentional with the portrayal of all aspects of “Minority” groups.

Ideally, we must be able to process our grief, pain, loss, and trauma by examining our own biases and reflecting on our beliefs through open supportive conversations. Keeping in mind, we must also set aside time to process our discussion, and work through any unresolved feelings that may arise as well as any unresolved traumas.

We must not continue to remain silent about this!! Sharing our painful experiences may provide us with an opportunity to connect with others who may have experienced similar pain. In sharing these traumatic experiences, we may also gain a sense of support and hope from others. We can help do our part to help end the generational trauma that is experienced by using words such as “minority” “alien”, “illegal”, to refer to certain groups. Our new administration will also play a key role in addressing language and exploring the use of these words and terms as examining these biases, and the impact of these used to refer to certain vulnerable communities will certainly help us to improve our mental health, become better educators, and professionals.

Sources On Race: The Relevance of Saying 'Minority' Edward Schumacher-Matos

Minority. Dictionary.com

Written By: Martha Rodriguez, LCSW Martha received her MSW from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. Rodriguez has more than 15 years of experience in both private and public sectors. She previously served as the Service Manager in Recovery at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, facilitating the delivery of mental health services. Currently, her role is Mental Health and Social Work Consultant for the Student Services Project at the University of South Florida.