tracy winchell
Avid Reader | Recovering PKM Enthusiast | Age 50+ ADHD | Ghostwriter | Lifelong Arkansan
2y ago

Stop Using "They/Them" Words

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Stop Using "They/Them" Words

Pogo once said, "We have met the enemy and they are us."

We "they/them" into dizzying categories like:

  • Left

  • Right

  • Pro this

  • Anti that

  • Skin color

  • Unhealthy & overweight

  • Too fit (whatever that means)

  • Faith divisions and divisions within faith organizations

My guess is that you're tired of the division, too. You may not even be aware of drawing lines and dehumanizing "those" people.

Pay attention to how you use "they/them

🛑 Stop using they/them unless you are referring to:

  • Non-binary humans

  • Enemy combatants

  • Small groups of humans you know

🙋‍♀️Why? We vs. them comparisons dehumanize those with whom you do not:

  • Understand

  • Agree

  • Like

🙏🏻 What to do instead:

  • Walk in their 👟

  • Choose compassion

  • Listen to understand

🤝 Show others by your words and deeds that the “us vs. them” mentality is a lie.

It’s easy to blame, mistrust, or resent “those people” for your problems.

It’s difficult, yet infinitely more rewarding, to take responsibility for self.

You choose.

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