By Morgan Dye
During periods of societal change, communicators are entrusted with not only delivering messages, but also serving as guardians of truth, values, and the language that upholds them. Language, from the way we communicate to the words we choose and how we define important concepts, has a lasting effect on our perceptions of and engagements with each other.
The deliberate shaping of language today is more than a simple political or ideological battle. Rather, it signals an erosion of the very tools we use to maintain a cohesive society. Communications professionals wield enormous power when certain policies and ideologies challenge foundational principles — such as fairness, a respect for differences, and reverence for the truth.
All words matter — always, and especially during times when language is being deliberately reshaped in public discourse and institutions. Our use of words shapes the world we live in, and their erasure is a slippery slope toward distorted meaning, limited discourse, and an undermining of the values that define a just and open society.
Drifting Into Dangerous Territory
The troubling trend of language expungement is particularly evident in the attack on these three words … “diversity,” “equity,” and “inclusion.”
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles have long been frameworks for creating more just and empathetic environments. Now they’re being watered down or removed from the conversation altogether. And, the erasure of DEI is only the tip of the iceberg.
To allow the diminishment of these words, and the concepts and deeds behind them, foreshadows a larger and more dangerous erosion of language itself. When any establishment — be it a government body, an educational institution, or a mission-focused organization — replaces fundamental ideologies with vague, neutral terms, simple re-wording is not usually the goal. A more likely objective is the reprogramming of society’s values.
This battle over language isn’t just an ideological struggle. It’s about the foundation of a society that values truth, learning, and progress. And if we allow words and phrases to be scrubbed away, we risk setting a precedent that future generations will misunderstand or ignore the complexities associated with overcoming societal challenges.
Those who hold power in business, media, education, philanthropy, and beyond must meet this moment with clarity and courage. Remaining silent while our social services, democratic institutions, shared spaces, and the most vulnerable among us are under attack risks complacency.
Resistance will be uncomfortable as we challenge long-held beliefs and systems. But no one is coming to save us. At the heart of this battle is language itself. If we allow our language to be manipulated, we risk losing the ability to fight for the values that make this Union worth perfecting.
An Action Plan For Now
This moment demands more than passive opposition. It calls for active engagement, clarity, and fortitude. Here are a few ways that nonprofit communicators can use their power of connection, influence, and, yes, language to shape the outcome.
- Publicly reject any premise or policy that mislabels or seeks to conflate history and culture with DEI. While history and culture may inform a DEI program or initiative, they’re not the same.
- Seek opportunities to read to young people or be a guest lecturer at a local college. Any chance to spark an enlightening conversation can encourage curiosity and pursuit for the truth.
- Write, podcast, or produce and share short social media videos about the injustice being done to the craft of communications through the haphazard use of search terms to erase critical parts of American history and culture.
- Share this article with your network and start a dialogue by asking for their perspective.
- Respectfully balance conversations happening around you that could advance false narratives about indisputable truths.
The Crux Of The Matter
Communicators must use their unique position of clarifying and framing to stand firm against the erosion of language and truth. If we abandon our values when they’re tested, they were never values to begin with – only conveniences.
Language, when used intentionally, is one of the most powerful tools we have, and truth-telling and bold expression can ensure it continues to reflect the society we strive to build.
As poet and writer Nikki Giovanni said, “If you’re not willing to stand up for the things that are right, then you’re a part of the problem.”
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Morgan Dye is a founding partner at Meraki Communications Group, a marketing and communications firm based near Alexandria, Virginia. Her email is morgan@merakicommsgroup.com
