In today’s world, a wide array of terms is being thrown around in everything from casual chats to major media coverage. While striving for politically correct language is essential, it’s completely normal to feel a bit lost with unfamiliar jargon. For instance, many have been asking, “What exactly is intersectional feminism?” Even though it’s not a new concept, it can be quite perplexing for many. As the political landscape shifts and becomes more polarized, it’s crucial for those of us who may not follow politics closely to grasp these terms that pop up in discussions, social media, and even sketch comedies. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most frequently used phrases:
Ally
An ally is someone who may not belong to a specific marginalized group but actively supports their fight for equality. For instance, a straight person advocating for LGBTQ rights during the marriage equality movement was acting as an ally.
Centrist
A centrist is generally someone who holds moderate views and identifies as independent, often balancing between Republican and Democrat ideologies.
Cisgender (Cis)
This term describes individuals whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Conservative
Typically associated with Republicans, conservatives advocate for a reduced federal government, free-market principles, a robust military, and what they consider traditional values, often opposing marriage equality.
Cultural Appropriation
This occurs when elements of one culture are adopted by another, often without understanding or respect for their original significance. A common example is when individuals from a dominant culture, like white boys wearing dreadlocks, appropriate styles deeply rooted in other cultures.
Emotional Labor
This term refers to the expectation that individuals from marginalized communities, such as people of color, should explain their experiences of oppression. This can be painful and burdensome, often forcing them to relive traumatic memories for the sake of others’ understanding.
Feminist
Anyone who believes in equal rights for all genders, advocating for gender equality, falls under this umbrella.
Gaslighting
This manipulative tactic involves making someone question their own perceptions or reality, often for the benefit of the manipulator.
Genderfluid
This term describes individuals whose gender identity is not fixed and can change over time, not strictly identifying as male or female.
Gender Nonconforming
Individuals who do not conform to typical societal gender roles fall into this category.
Immigrant vs. Undocumented
An immigrant is someone who comes to the U.S. legally seeking citizenship, while an undocumented individual may have entered the country without proper authorization, often in search of better opportunities. The term “illegals” is considered derogatory and insensitive.
Intersectionality
Intersectional feminism strives to include diverse voices and experiences, such as race, religion, and sexual orientation, in discussions about equality that are often overlooked.
LGBTQ
This acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning, referring to a group frequently marginalized due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Liberal
As the counterpart to conservatives, liberals typically identify with the Democratic Party and advocate for social justice and progress, believing the government should work to address economic and social inequalities.
Microaggression
These are everyday verbal or behavioral slights that, while often unintentional, can be perceived as hostile or demeaning by people of color, such as asking a person of color “What are you?” or touching their hair without consent.
Non-Binary
Individuals who identify outside the traditional male-female binary or who feel both male and female are considered non-binary, distinct from gender nonconforming, which pertains to breaking stereotypes through appearance.
Pansexual
A pansexual individual is attracted to people regardless of their gender identity, going beyond just male or female attraction.
Transgender
Transgender people have a gender identity that differs from the sex assigned to them at birth.
White Fragility
This term describes defensive reactions from white individuals when race is brought up, often manifesting as fear, guilt, or avoidance of the subject.
White Privilege
This concept refers to the societal advantages that white people experience, which are often not available to individuals from other racial backgrounds.
White Savior
This mindset involves the belief that white individuals are in a position to “save” people of color, often leading to condescending attitudes and actions—sometimes referred to as “whitesplaining.”
POC and WOC
POC stands for people of color, while WOC refers specifically to women of color.
This list is by no means exhaustive but serves as a useful starting point for understanding contemporary discussions around race, gender, and politics. For more detailed insights, check out this related post on progressive terms here.
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In summary, understanding these terms can help us engage more thoughtfully in conversations about equality and social justice.