4 chapters across the catalog
The University of New Hampshire's "Bias-Free Language Guide" is examined, featuring a quote from former MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry. The document provides guidelines for "inclusive excellence" and "accurate expression" to avoid demeaning people based on personal characteristics. The guide specifically warns against phrases like "going Dutch," claiming it demeans the Dutch people by assuming they are cheap.
Microaggressions and Micro-affirmations in Academic Culture
The discussion explores the definitions of microaggressions, micro-assaults, and micro-insults as defined by the University of New Hampshire. Examples include questioning a person's need for a wheelchair or commenting on the smell of a guide dog. The hosts also review "micro-affirmations," a term coined by Mary Rove at MIT, which includes small acts of kindness like opening doors, which the hosts joke could be interpreted as sexist.
The University of New Hampshire's glossary of preferred terms is critiqued, specifically the replacement of "senior citizen" with "people of advanced age." The guide suggests using "person experiencing homelessness" instead of "homeless" and "person of size" instead of "obese." The hosts compare the clinical, long-form language to police reports and express skepticism about the practicality of these linguistic shifts.
The hosts review the evolving LGBTQQIAAP acronym and the University of New Hampshire's preference for the term "sexual minorities." The guide defines "cisgender" as identifying with the sex assigned at birth and introduces the concept of "ciscentrism." It also provides "preferred" terms for sex reassignment surgery, such as "gender confirming surgery."
