N/NY-ET-317.2 - Language Is Power: Ethical Practice of Bias-Free Language to Counteract Oppression (N/NY)

Recorded On: 10/12/2020

Description:

Because language is power, how we use language to name, describe, represent, and “construct” others is a pressing concern in counteracting oppression. This workshop offers practice in examining language within relational ethics. Attendees will explore bias in language on race/ethnicity, gender, and disability, and construct bias-free alternatives that serve liberation. Suggested Materials: Journal, sketchbook, or a notebook or any art materials you prefer. It is suggested that attendees review the directive before the session and complete the reflection exercises. Click here for the directions.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

1) ⁠Identify at least three forms of biased or oppressive language that contribute to othering and power imbalances.
2) Differentiate between biased, neutral, and liberatory language approaches, including person-first, identity-first, and agency-centered language practices.
3) Construct at least two bias-free language alternatives that demonstrate specificity, cultural humility, and respect for individual and community self-identification.

Additional Information:

This session is worth 1 CEU
This session is ATCB, NBCC, and NY LCAT eligible
Track: Ethics (ET)

Dr. Lynn Kapitan

PhD, ATR-BC, HLM

Dr. Lynn Kapitan, PhD, ATR-BC, HLM, is a Professor Emerit and former Director of Graduate and Doctoral Art Therapy at Mount Mary University, Milwaukee, WI (USA), former editor-in-chief of Art Therapy and Past President of the American Art Therapy Association. She has practiced art therapy with children, adolescents, and adults, and in community-based, intercultural settings in the U.S. and Latin America.

Alex Kapitan

Alex Kapitan is an organizer, educator, consultant, writer, and editor, and the founder of the language project Radical Copyeditor. Drawing on an eclectic background in faith-based organizing, sexuality and gender education, and the publishing industry, Alex supports individuals and organizations in aligning their language with their values. Alex’s work centers on practicing radical inclusion across race, class, ability, gender, sexuality, age, religion, and other dimensions of identity.