Changing our Language and Labels, you can download the paper I wrote about why we need to stop criminalizing the unhoused/homeless. It’s been proven that it doesn’t empower anyone.
I have reached out to several organizations asking them for their support, plus I speak to the unhoused, who feel their voice doesn’t matter to those who in power like city council’s, or general public.
I understand it’s a label that we need to be consciously be aware of what comes out or our mouth, I suggest that you pick one (1) word and practice with that. Verbal abuse destroys our sense of self, leads to depression, or feeling not worthy. If you have ever had someone tell you, you are stupid for a long time, as a person you will begin to believe it to be true. It’s not. It’s just one persons belief about themselves, they those words it onto another person.
The unhoused deserve our dignity and respect just like you want to be respected. It’s time to step up and say that it’s enough.
Change our Language and labels You don’t need to give me your name and email address, just click here and download the PDF
I’ve named it “Doing the right thing.” by Changing our language and labels.
Let’s dive deeper…
• Labels Reinforce “Othering”: The term “homeless or homelessness” can subconsciously create a divide, marking people as an “out-group.” This “othering” can make society view those without homes as fundamentally different, which fuels bias and social exclusion.
• Dehumanizing Language Leads to Dehumanizing Treatment: Words carry implicit meanings. When people are labeled as “homeless,” it can make it easier for society to distance itself emotionally. This can lead to discriminatory practices like exclusion from public spaces or services and a tolerance for policies that would be unacceptable if applied to housed individuals.
I was speaking to the gal at my storage co. and she didn’t get the connection between housing and people living in RVs or tents. It’s actually easier to blame the unhoused because you perhaps don’t know of anyone who is or you have never experienced it. She was saying they shouldn’t be here.. in her town/city. Why? I let know that 48% of people who are unhoused actually work. The rents are just above their pay scale.
• Worsens Community Divides: When words like “homeless or homelessness” are used, they tend to imply danger or unpredictability. This stigma reinforces fear and misconceptions, leading communities to distance themselves or oppose initiatives like shelters and affordable housing. As the story above.
* Avoid Using “The Homeless”
Collective nouns—words used to group people together based on one thing they have in common—are offensive. The same is true with terms like “the elderly” or “the disabled.” This term isn’t an effective way to describe homeless people, to start with. One person may be couch surfing while another stays in a shelter. Also, two people who are both homeless can be very different people. Grouping them together on the basis of a singular circumstance deprives homeless people of their identity as individuals. read more.
Appropriate alternatives: “Homeless people,” “people without homes,” or “people without housing.”
If you have any comments or want to support this effort.. please leave a comment or contact us
Thank you
Mari-Lyn