Michael Clemens @mclem.org · Jun 21 An academic journal just directed me to delete the word ‘elderly’ from a manuscript. They consider it ‘dehumanizing’. I wish that people of good heart who care about harm in the world could focus their scarce resources on the vast material harms all around us, instead of bottomless purity-policing.
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What did they suggest instead?
I asked elderly people I know what they think of that word. They consider it accurate and polite and even distinguished. I will continue to speak English and use English words, thoughtfully.
Has there been any research that language shifts (e.g. homeless to unhoused; people who use drugs; etc.) have any measurable effect on stigma or other outcomes? I say this out of genuine curiosity. If there was some demonstrable effect, I'd understand, but it seems like academic navelgazing.