Ducks in a Row: the Meaning of Words
by Miki Saxon
Words are tossed around today with little consideration for their actual meaning, let alone accuracy of usage.
Sometimes it doesn’t matter, but misusing others can be the basis for serious errors, while treating words as interchangeable, as if they are synonyms, can have dire consequences.
This is especially true when the subject is emotionally charged or carries a lot of baggage — such as diversity, the great catch-all.
I can also say that I, too, have used the following incorrectly: privileged, underrepresented, marginalized, diversity, and inclusion.
Let’s take a look at what the words actually mean.
- Privilege is about access.
- Being underrepresented is about numbers.
- Being marginalized is about treatment.
- Diversity is about variety.
- Inclusion, which is about experience—the experience of a person, a group, or a community.
None of these words are interchangeable; each has a complete, stand-alone meaning in and of itself.
Companies are famous for signage promoting their values, mission, etc.
Perhaps the time has come for a new one based on the true definition of these five words.
The poster covers talk.
However, the talk is worthless unless it is partnered with the walk.
Exactly like diversity and inclusion — the first means nothing without the second.
Image credit: TEDx NJLibraries
