One that has bugged me for years is "conservative" in reference to fascists, domestic terrorists, racists -- anyone on the right, no matter how radical and destructive. Another is "Christian" for people who in no way resemble Jesus. Can someone come up with a better term for "Christian" nationalists?
Agreed on the use of the word "conservative". The correct term is right-wing, not conservative, just as we'd refer to Stalin as being left-wing, but never as a liberal.
Thank you! As one of the 22 Democrats I my MAGA County in ever reversed backward Tennessee, I fully intend to share this with my astute erudite Democrat Friends who seemingly don’t comprehend why they cannot bridge the breach. Simply put: they don’t speak the language.
Hi Karen! Not sure what TN county doesn’t treasure you enough, but I live in Franklin, in Williamson County. And just yesterday we had an amazingly well-attended “Good Trouble” protest. 400 people registered to attend, but far more joined us from the city’s Bicentennial Park , up 3rd Avenue to the town square. This square prominently features “Chip,” the local’s name for the Confederate soldier at the very center of the round-about through the square. The powers-that-be in Franklin gave our march a police escort! Virtually everyone we passed, on the sidewalks and in cars, gave us “thumbs-up” and approving horn-honks! It was such balm to the soul to see the turnout, and the reception! There’s hope to be found, support to be found, when we put ourselves out there, even in this state that has seemingly abandoned democracy. We’re not alone! Courage is contagious! It is invigorating to do what Anat calls “Fabulously Fighting Fascism!”
Lucky y’all in Williamson County! I am in the far NE Tennessee part of the state bordering Virginia and North Carolina where poverty is incredible and the rural people are depressed and oppressed—with good reason! You are closer to the Nashville hub and hubris while my part of the state is rarely even recognized and our MOCS haven’t ever held a town hall here—when they rarely arrive, it’s to meet with the GOP for a lunch or at our very small airport. 38% of the registered voters in my county voted and the majority of that 38% voted for Trump because he made promises he never intended to fill and they believed him. Your County might as well be in another country as compared to mine; the disparity is incredible!
Sorry to just now be getting back to you. I appreciate your comments and description of life in that corner of the state. I grew up in Knoxville and am not unfamiliar with your experience in that tri-state area. Back during the last financial crisis, my husband’s job was looking precarious and he was sending out resumes, etc. He got some interest from a couple of companies in your area and so we looked into it. As parents of transracially adopted children, we were horrified to learn how many hate groups were active there. They are in middle TN as well, to be sure. But yes, Nashville itself is much more liberal. We live in Franklin now, and I can’t drive the mile and a half to the grocery store without seeing untold numbers of “Don’t tread on me” license plates, confedarate-supporting bumper stickers. As I said, I grew up in Knoxville. Basically, when you leave the confines of Nashville, you’re in Tennessee. But I do agree with you that your part of the state is particularly difficult to live in. For 2 years in the mid-90s, we lived in a small town in central NC that I still refer to as the land that time forgot. Where you are is indeed worse.
My step children are biracial. All over America, rural or not, red or blue or purple or not, if we are aware, we are battling Evil. The edicts of Trump and the GOP are the same edicts of Evil: If the skin isn’t white, it is Evil. The “it” is a human being, a unique creation and the only one like it in the Universe. Get that? How can anyone anywhere in America whose conscious still works promote Evil toward anyone anywhere anyhow anytime because of the color of their skin? You see, way downstate in Franklin, y’all have a lot in common in Upstate but…Upstate is your forgotten Sister…and we need You with us.
It's the usual fascist projection. Always accuse the other side of what you are doing. The real fascists like your brother don't understand that a liberal or lefty can never be fascist. Only right wingers are fascists.
BTW, my sympathies to you for having such a brother. Are you sure he wasn't found on the church steps? 🤣
Thank you for this; I can think of a number of people with whom I want to share this. I am printing off several copies. I've always believed that proper word choice is important. Years ago when the media kept referring to the "RAID on Mar-a-Lago," I felt they should have simply said that Donald Trump was served with a search warrant...and the search was carried out. The term 'raid' only served to fan the flames of indignation amongst his loyal lackeys...and some how made it seem as though Trump was deserving of sympathy. I feel the same about the terms 'misinformation' and 'disinformation'...try 'flat out, deliberate lies;' it's a more honest and appropriate term.
Very helpful. Thanks. One thing, though, that keeps bothering me very time I hear it. What’s with the universal reference to “working people?” “Working” can mean a lot of things and I would propose that anyone living is working, regardless of their employment status. In the political realm it connotes “gainful employment” and disregards the contributions made by those who aren’t receiving a paycheck. It also implies that these others, including myself, are lazy. Does one have to be working or be a grandmother for their disappearance to matter?
And can we please use the word ‘Republican’ instead of ‘Trump’ whenever it fits? Reread the ‘say this’ words/phrases in this article and say ‘Republican’ wherever you see ‘Trump’. The Democrats need to stop focusing on one man as if everything will be fine once he’s gone. Everything won’t be fine as long as his cult followers hold any power. We need to focus on them, not just him.
Or just "Alligator Auschwitz". I didn't come up with that one -- I've heard it elsewhere, and it has the advantage of being easy to remember. However, I know it is technically not quite accurate since Auschwitz was a death camp, not a concentration camp.
It started out as the former, but you’re totally correct. It finished as a death camp. And we must never forget the deaths by “natural causes” that happened due to starvation, lack of medical care, over-work, etc.
I will enjoy using this language at the union meetings at my Los Angeles public middle school. Five of my colleagues voted for this, and I am going to make sure they hear out loud what they actually voted for.
I have been doing most of this for some time now, be it in conversation, on social media or my Substack. This is a great tool for those who have not figured it out yet. Thank you!
One that has bugged me for years is "conservative" in reference to fascists, domestic terrorists, racists -- anyone on the right, no matter how radical and destructive. Another is "Christian" for people who in no way resemble Jesus. Can someone come up with a better term for "Christian" nationalists?
Agreed on the use of the word "conservative". The correct term is right-wing, not conservative, just as we'd refer to Stalin as being left-wing, but never as a liberal.
Racists bigots, uninvolved in anything but themselves. Like Trump, fat, overweight and vile.
Could not agree more!
Thank you! As one of the 22 Democrats I my MAGA County in ever reversed backward Tennessee, I fully intend to share this with my astute erudite Democrat Friends who seemingly don’t comprehend why they cannot bridge the breach. Simply put: they don’t speak the language.
Hi Karen! Not sure what TN county doesn’t treasure you enough, but I live in Franklin, in Williamson County. And just yesterday we had an amazingly well-attended “Good Trouble” protest. 400 people registered to attend, but far more joined us from the city’s Bicentennial Park , up 3rd Avenue to the town square. This square prominently features “Chip,” the local’s name for the Confederate soldier at the very center of the round-about through the square. The powers-that-be in Franklin gave our march a police escort! Virtually everyone we passed, on the sidewalks and in cars, gave us “thumbs-up” and approving horn-honks! It was such balm to the soul to see the turnout, and the reception! There’s hope to be found, support to be found, when we put ourselves out there, even in this state that has seemingly abandoned democracy. We’re not alone! Courage is contagious! It is invigorating to do what Anat calls “Fabulously Fighting Fascism!”
Lucky y’all in Williamson County! I am in the far NE Tennessee part of the state bordering Virginia and North Carolina where poverty is incredible and the rural people are depressed and oppressed—with good reason! You are closer to the Nashville hub and hubris while my part of the state is rarely even recognized and our MOCS haven’t ever held a town hall here—when they rarely arrive, it’s to meet with the GOP for a lunch or at our very small airport. 38% of the registered voters in my county voted and the majority of that 38% voted for Trump because he made promises he never intended to fill and they believed him. Your County might as well be in another country as compared to mine; the disparity is incredible!
Sorry to just now be getting back to you. I appreciate your comments and description of life in that corner of the state. I grew up in Knoxville and am not unfamiliar with your experience in that tri-state area. Back during the last financial crisis, my husband’s job was looking precarious and he was sending out resumes, etc. He got some interest from a couple of companies in your area and so we looked into it. As parents of transracially adopted children, we were horrified to learn how many hate groups were active there. They are in middle TN as well, to be sure. But yes, Nashville itself is much more liberal. We live in Franklin now, and I can’t drive the mile and a half to the grocery store without seeing untold numbers of “Don’t tread on me” license plates, confedarate-supporting bumper stickers. As I said, I grew up in Knoxville. Basically, when you leave the confines of Nashville, you’re in Tennessee. But I do agree with you that your part of the state is particularly difficult to live in. For 2 years in the mid-90s, we lived in a small town in central NC that I still refer to as the land that time forgot. Where you are is indeed worse.
Thanks for your comments. And good luck!🍀
My step children are biracial. All over America, rural or not, red or blue or purple or not, if we are aware, we are battling Evil. The edicts of Trump and the GOP are the same edicts of Evil: If the skin isn’t white, it is Evil. The “it” is a human being, a unique creation and the only one like it in the Universe. Get that? How can anyone anywhere in America whose conscious still works promote Evil toward anyone anywhere anyhow anytime because of the color of their skin? You see, way downstate in Franklin, y’all have a lot in common in Upstate but…Upstate is your forgotten Sister…and we need You with us.
You are right. Take care, and stay in touch!
Best, Lauren
I have been using "fascist party" in lieu of the former republicon party for about six weeks now and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.
It is apt.
Yet, my Evangelical Trump FOX-following brother accuses Democrats of being the Fascist ones!
It's the usual fascist projection. Always accuse the other side of what you are doing. The real fascists like your brother don't understand that a liberal or lefty can never be fascist. Only right wingers are fascists.
BTW, my sympathies to you for having such a brother. Are you sure he wasn't found on the church steps? 🤣
Thank you. And for the LOL at the end.
The work is amazing.
Thank you for this; I can think of a number of people with whom I want to share this. I am printing off several copies. I've always believed that proper word choice is important. Years ago when the media kept referring to the "RAID on Mar-a-Lago," I felt they should have simply said that Donald Trump was served with a search warrant...and the search was carried out. The term 'raid' only served to fan the flames of indignation amongst his loyal lackeys...and some how made it seem as though Trump was deserving of sympathy. I feel the same about the terms 'misinformation' and 'disinformation'...try 'flat out, deliberate lies;' it's a more honest and appropriate term.
Totally agree.
The repetition of "The Big Beautiful Bill" for the budget, regardless of it's true name, also bought into sanitizing it's true nature!
Well said! Words matter and we must choose ours carefully, to state clearly there has been a fascist takeover of our federal government.
Thank you! We can not be lazy and normalize the fascist takeover of our democracy….
Excellent article on how to avoid Orwellian language, with great examples.
Very helpful. Thanks. One thing, though, that keeps bothering me very time I hear it. What’s with the universal reference to “working people?” “Working” can mean a lot of things and I would propose that anyone living is working, regardless of their employment status. In the political realm it connotes “gainful employment” and disregards the contributions made by those who aren’t receiving a paycheck. It also implies that these others, including myself, are lazy. Does one have to be working or be a grandmother for their disappearance to matter?
Excellent point!
And can we please use the word ‘Republican’ instead of ‘Trump’ whenever it fits? Reread the ‘say this’ words/phrases in this article and say ‘Republican’ wherever you see ‘Trump’. The Democrats need to stop focusing on one man as if everything will be fine once he’s gone. Everything won’t be fine as long as his cult followers hold any power. We need to focus on them, not just him.
You are spot on!
How about "FloriDachau?"
Or just "Alligator Auschwitz". I didn't come up with that one -- I've heard it elsewhere, and it has the advantage of being easy to remember. However, I know it is technically not quite accurate since Auschwitz was a death camp, not a concentration camp.
It started out as the former, but you’re totally correct. It finished as a death camp. And we must never forget the deaths by “natural causes” that happened due to starvation, lack of medical care, over-work, etc.
...hence "FloriDachau," because Dachau was a concentration camp not a death camp, but many people died there.
Thank you. You all provide excellent support to all of us with information and language suggestions like this one - really important.
Thank you, a great reminder.
I will enjoy using this language at the union meetings at my Los Angeles public middle school. Five of my colleagues voted for this, and I am going to make sure they hear out loud what they actually voted for.
I have been doing most of this for some time now, be it in conversation, on social media or my Substack. This is a great tool for those who have not figured it out yet. Thank you!
Steve Dundas