Read the following statements:
- “We need someone young.”
- “Better a cleaner.”
- “They don’t fit our environment.”
- “She is too emotional for this role.”
Are these just descriptions? Or do they already create exclusion? Language is never neutral. What may seem “normal” or “obvious” often carries hidden assumptions and norms.
The norms we create
Every group – often unconsciously – develops a “normal” way of:
- speaking
- joking
- dressing
- behaving
Those who do not fit these patterns may be:
- ignored
- ridiculed
- excluded
This is not always intentional – but it always has consequences.
Language as a tool of power
Words can reinforce existing hierarchies or challenge them. They determine who “fits” and who is pushed to the margins. Language is a tool of power.
Try a different approach
Rephrase the following statements in a non-discriminatory way:
- “We need a young person.”
- “Better a cleaner.”
- “They are not suitable for dealing with the public.”
Ask yourself:
What real need are you trying to express?
Is it about experience? Communication style? Interpersonal skills? Naming this precisely helps to avoid simplifications and bias.
Words have consequences
- they reinforce stereotypes
- they shape expectations
- they influence decisions
How we speak about people affects their opportunities – in recruitment processes, within teams, and in professional development. Paying attention to language is not a formality. It is a professional responsibility.