Navigating the sea of contemporary language can be quite the challenge, especially as political discussions heat up across social media, news outlets, and even casual chats. Terms like “intersectional feminism” pop up frequently, leaving many of us scratching our heads. This isn’t a new concept, but for many, it represents uncharted territory. As the national dialogue becomes increasingly polarized, even those who don’t usually follow politics are forming opinions influenced by what they see on Saturday Night Live, the evening news, and their social media feeds. So, to help you become more socially savvy, here’s a quick rundown of some popular progressive terms:
Ally
An ally is someone who doesn’t belong to a specific marginalized group but actively supports their pursuit of equality. For instance, a straight person advocating for LGBTQ+ rights during the marriage equality movement is considered a gay ally.
Centrist
A centrist is someone who holds moderate political views, often identifying as independent and sitting comfortably between the Republican and Democratic parties.
Cis
Short for cisgender, this term refers to individuals whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth.
Conservative
Typically associated with the Republican Party, conservatives advocate for smaller government, free-market policies, a robust military, and what they view as traditional values, often opposing advancements like marriage equality.
Cultural Appropriation
This occurs when elements of one culture are adopted by another, often without understanding or respecting the original context. For example, when non-Black individuals sport dreadlocks, it can be seen as cultural appropriation.
Emotional Labor
Emotional labor refers to instances where individuals, particularly people of color, are asked by others (often white individuals) to explain their experiences of oppression. This can be distressing and places an unfair burden on marginalized individuals.
Feminist
A feminist believes in equal rights for all genders, advocating for gender equality in every aspect of society.
Gaslighting
This manipulation tactic involves causing someone to doubt their reality, often used in abusive relationships to maintain control.
Genderfluid
Genderfluid individuals do not subscribe to a fixed gender identity, and their gender may shift over time.
Gender Nonconforming
This describes individuals who don’t conform to traditional gender roles or stereotypes.
Immigrant vs. Undocumented
An immigrant is someone who comes to the U.S. legally with the intention of becoming a citizen, while an undocumented person lacks legal status, often seeking better opportunities. The term “illegals” is derogatory and should be avoided.
Intersectionality
Intersectional feminism aims to include various identities such as race, religion, and sexual orientation in discussions about equality, recognizing that different forms of oppression intersect.
LGBTQ
An acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning, this term encompasses a community often marginalized based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Liberal
Liberals generally identify with the Democratic Party and advocate for social justice, believing government should work to address inequities in society.
Microaggression
These are subtle, often unintentional comments or actions that can be perceived as disrespectful or offensive by people of color, such as asking someone, “Where are you really from?”
Non-Binary
Non-binary individuals identify outside the traditional male-female binary, which may include genderfluid individuals. This is distinct from being gender nonconforming.
Pansexual
A pansexual person is attracted to individuals regardless of their gender identity, transcending the conventional male-female dichotomy.
Transgender
Transgender individuals have a gender identity that differs from the sex assigned to them at birth.
White Fragility
This term describes the defensive reactions white individuals may display when confronted with racial issues, which can include fear, guilt, avoidance, or arguing.
White Privilege
This concept refers to the unearned advantages that white people experience in society that are not afforded to people of color, regardless of socio-economic status.
White Savior
This mentality is held by some white individuals who believe they are rescuing or helping people of color, often leading to patronizing attitudes, sometimes referred to as “whitesplaining.”
POC
An abbreviation for persons of color.
WOC
This stands for women of color.
While this list is by no means exhaustive, it serves as a helpful introduction to some key terms in discussions around race, gender, and politics. For more on these topics, check out this resource, which delves into related subjects. If you’re interested in artificial insemination, this link provides insights on that journey. And for ongoing information about pregnancy and home insemination, this is an excellent resource.
In summary, becoming familiar with these progressive terms can enhance your understanding of current social conversations and help foster more inclusive dialogues.