Race-related writing

When writing and speaking about race, it’s important to respect everyone. AP Stylebook provides excellent coverage on this topic.

AP Stylebook: Resource for race-related coverage


UPDATE July 28, 2020

The AP Stylebook’s updated race-related coverage guidance is open for public review. No login is needed.

Also AP Stylebook now recommends capitalizing “Black” and “Indigenous” when referring to race. I believe I found and corrected my usage in this article.


Original post written in November 2019

Because I rarely reference race in my writings — since people are people, I forgot to include it in my post on Equal Folks. I went to my number one source for word usage and grammar The Associated Press Stylebook otherwise known as AP Stylebook. As anticipated, my online AP Stylebook provides an excellent reference point for “race-related coverage.”

2007 AP Stylebook cover
My 2007 AP Stylebook. Now I go online for my word choice and grammar advice

Here’s what I found when needing clarity in your story:

  • Use “people of color” or “racial minority” when you refer to minority groups in general. Avoid using “minority” to describe an individual.
  • When describing people with more than one heritage or country of origin, you can use “biracial” or “multiracial.” Again, make sure the distinction supports your plot or story line; otherwise heritage does not matter.
  • Again, if needed for clarity of your story, use “Black” and “white” as an adjective: Black teachers or white teachers.
  • Use plural nouns only if limited space such as “…Blacks, whites, Latinos, and Asian Americans.”
  • Caucasian is not a synonym for “white.” AP Stylebook suggests avoiding it.
  • If under 18 years of age, use Black child. Same goes with “white” and other racial adjectives. If needed for your story, you can use Black girl or boy. Be aware of the historical connotation of the words we choose.
  • If over 18, always use man or woman in any race. Using boy or girl can be demeaning because people have been known to use those words to make themselves seem superior.
  • If dual heritage, use African American, Asian American, Filipino American, Mexican American, and Native American. AP Style no longer hyphenates the two. Accordingly, only use if the country of origin adds substance or clarity to your story line.
  • You need to also avoid using “Orient” or “Oriental.” The correct term for people in the East Asian countries is “Asian.” Use of the term “Indian” will pull your readers to the Asian country of India and their cultural heritage.
  • Hispanic refers to a person whose ancestors came from a Spanish speaking culture. Latino (male) and Latina (female) are acceptable; use Latin for gender neutral. According to AP Stylebook, we should be more specific when we can. AP recommends we use Brazilian, Cuban, Mexican American, and Puerto Rican instead.
  • When referencing the original inhabitants of a place, use the term “Indigenous.”
  • Also, AP Stylebook recommends referencing the tribe of an individual when writing about American Indians or Native Americans. AP Stylebook uses examples of “Navajo commissioner” and, “He is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.” Use “Alaska Natives” when referencing Indigenous groups in Alaska. In Canada, native tribes use “First Nation.”

Society of Professional Journalists

Another great reference site on diversity issues comes from the Society of Professional JournalistsThe Diversity Style Guide. This guide addresses nationalities, age factors, and religion in addition to race. Find out more on their website including additional writing style guides they have produced for professional writers.

I’ve listed additional writing guides and content resources in my post Resources You Can Use. These resources have taken me years to find. Check them out. There may be some link you need to move you forward.

Words matter; use them wisely.

Take care. Jan

P.S. You need an account to access the race-related coverage where I found this information. If you would like your own AP Stylebook access point, you can order online for $29 a year (as of this posting). You can also purchase a hard copy of the book. Either one works. The online version works best for me and my need for searching results through my browser — and desire to be current in my writings. If you write, I recommend you purchase.

Mathew McConaughey’s life truths

“Schedule that time to be in a place to receive the truth.”

Matthew McConaughey

In May of 2015, Matthew McConaughey gave the commencement speech at the University of Houston in Texas. In the spirit of sharing commencement speeches of yesteryear (since in real life we had to skip them this year), I believe this is one that’s worth sharing.

I am not alone in that assessment. So instead of rehashing the finer points of McConoughey’s speech, I will share what others have observed.

Time Magazine

Speech

Time Magazine reprinted McConoughey’s speech in its May 17, 2015 issue. It’s worth the read. I pulled a few quotes that I found to be inspirational…although I encourage you to read the speech for yourself.

Matthew McConaughey to Grads: Always Play Like an Underdog

“The sooner we become LESS IMPRESSED — with our life, our accomplishments, our career, the prospect in front of us. As soon as we become LESS IMPRESSED — and MORE INVOLVED with these things, the sooner we get a whole lot better at doing them.”

Matthew McConaughey

The full script has 13 points McConaughey believes to be truths that he has learned.

  1. Life is not easy…
  2. “Unbelievable” is the stupidest word in the dictionary
  3. Happiness is different than Joy
  4. Define Success for Yourself
  5. Process of elimination is the first step to our identity (a.k.a where you are NOT is as important as where you are)
  6. DON’T LEAVE CRUMBS — and the beauty of delayed gratification
  7. DISSECT YOUR SUCCESSES (and the reciprocity of gratitude)
  8. MAKE VOLUNTARY OBLIGATIONS
  9. From can to want
  10. A roof is a manmade thing
  11. Turn the page
  12. Give your obstacles credit
  13. So how do we know when we cross the truth?

“How do I define success? For me, it’s a measurement of five things — fatherhood, being a good husband, health, career, friendships. These are what’s important to me in my life.

So, I try to measure these five each day, check in with them, see whether or not I’m in the debit or the credit section with each one. Am I in the red or in the black with each of them?”

Matthew McConaughey

Medium

Post

Medium is my go-to place for learning. Often, I find the articles inspirational. There’s something for everyone. Interest areas range from the general audiences to specifics like their Post-Grad Survival Guide.

In December of 2019, Niklas Göke got inspired to write a post on Medium. Again, an excellent read.

Matthew McConaughey’s 5 Rules for a Good Future “Make the choices today that pay you back tomorrow.”

Göke summarizes the top five rules to follow and build the life we love for ourselves.

  1. Accept that life’s not fair.
  2. Never consider anything to be impossible.
  3. Find joy in what you do instead of chasing happiness.
  4. Create your own definition of success.
  5. Make decisions that’ll give back to you tomorrow.

“Make decisions that’ll give back to you tomorrow.” That statement blows me away with its honesty of what we are going through. I believe that to be the most important rule we need to follow if we want to change our lives.

I’m in the process of changing my life. I’m addicted to sugar. That inspirational statement will be in a place of honor to get me through these withdrawal moments.

Johnny Bigger

Video

I originally came across McConaughey’s commencement address through Johnny Bigger’s inspirational YouTube channel. In November of 2018, Johnny Bigger compiled video clips from McConaughey’s movies and then set them to audio from parts of McConaughey’s speech.

5 Rules for the rest of your life | Matthew McConaughey

Bigger highlighted these top five rules from McConaughey’s speech. Excellent video in its message and entertaining value to see all the different stages of McConaughey’s movie career. Again, I highly recommend you watch.

  1. Life is not easy
  2. “Unbelievable” is the stupidest word in the dictionary
  3. Happiness is different than joy
  4. Define success for yourself
  5. “Don’t leave crumbs” — and the beauty of delayed gratification

Congratulations Graduates!

Because you only have control over yourself, do the best you can. Make your world a good, honest world for you and those around you to enjoy. That’s the best any of us can do.

“Make decisions that’ll give back to you tomorrow.”

Mathew McConaughey and highlighted by Niklas Göke

Enjoy, Jan

Excuse our mess

The intent behind this website centers on sharing knowledge with you. Much of what I write here has come from shedding a little blood, sweat, and tears to learn.

The hidden agenda behind this website is simple – keep my website management skills current.

This is one of those hidden agenda moments – that’s not so hidden.

Keeping current

Brain  process of learning
My brain learning a new process.

I am amazed at the technological advancements since I first built this website in 2007. Problem is – you must acquire new skills to take advantage of these “advancements.”

Many of the new skills focus on learning a new process to do it. That’s where I am at here.

Please be patient

Our site will be changing as we take it through this new metamorphosis.

We’ll see how it ends up.

First, however, I feel confident enough to build a website for a client with this new DIVI program.

I had intended to stay in my comfort zone by using a theme and the default WordPress editor for my client’s webpage.

And then I listened to a webinar by Joe Bunting of The Write Practice. He recommended DIVI. I had looked into it earlier. Now I guess is the time as it’s easier to learn a new program with a new website.

You can find the essence of his webinar in Joe’s blogpost: Building an Author Website: The First Step to Publishing. It’s the program they use; as do other people I follow.

How you can pay for free stuff

You probably heard of “mommy bloggers” and seen social media celebrities talking about a product. Many bloggers earn money by becoming “influencers.”

If you want to know more about becoming an influencer or find influencers for your affiliate marketing program, check out this post and downloadable guide from HubSpot written by Kristen Baker: What Will Influencer Marketing Look Like in 2020?

So how can you pay for free stuff – buy off their links.

Influencers can earn anywhere from a few cents to hundreds of dollars on your purchase depending on the product.

If you respect a blogger and think they might be an influencer for a product or service you plan to buy, check out their blogs. Contact then if need be.

Help our experts who share their knowledge with us for free – link to the products from their sites to purchase.

Full disclosure

We’re not influencers.

We support affiliate marketing as part of a business’s marketing mix. My daughter uses it in her marketing efforts at work.

I did subscribe to DIVI from The Write Practice website. (Their ears may have been burning yesterday as I muddled through the program. HEHEHE) This is why I thought about asking you to link and buy off influencers you respect; and why I did not link direct to DIVI.

Stay hopeful

Dove and Heart = Hope

In closing, my message is hope. My hope is that we become a gentler and kinder nation as we move into a new normal. Kindness and hope are what our world needs to heal.

Take care,

Jan

Plant a garden AND native plants

“…backyards landscaped with native plants drew native birds, and non-native landscaping attracted non-native birds.”

U.S. Forest Service
How people manage their yards can help, or not help, native wildlife by Jane Hodgins (April 9th, 2019)

Shelter in Place

It appears that many of us will be out in our yards this spring and summer as we keep our social distancing habits in check. Because health officials estimate this pandemic could last up to 18 months, they encourage us to plant gardens, so we have fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the coming months. Canning is definitely one of the “new black” for 2020.

No matter how long this will last, we know we’re in place through April. Planting time is now.

I’ve been watching Maria Kondo to encourage my clothes purging, I started thinking that this could also work for our yards.

Home Yards go Native

In the city, our yards make up most of the green space that protects our wildlife like birds and butterflies. As cities spread, our yards have become even more important in the ecological cycle of plants and animals. As the quote states, native plants support native species.

USFS Verdin bird on native plant
U.S. Forest Service Researchers found a decline in the abundance of desert birds, including the verdin (pictured), in the Phoenix, AZ region.
Native desert landscaping
U.S. Forest Service: In residential property, using native plants in landscaping benefits native bird species. Photo Credit: Christofer Bang, AZ

So like Maria Kondo, let’s thank them and then say goodbye to invasive, non-native plants for our areas. Let’s go plant native.

Online Search

Searching, I found resources that might prove to be helpful for you.

A Homeowner’s Guide to Preventing the Introduction and Spread of Invasive Species: How You Can Make a Difference

From The University of Georgia, Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, Tifton, GA (2013)

This pamphlet from the University of Georgia is full of useful information. For example, they suggest everyone who can — to plant at least one oak tree that’s native to North America. Our native oaks “…support over 500 species of native butterflies and moths, as well as, other wildlife including birds, deer, and squirrels.”

The choices in our plantings for our yards can make the difference of native or nonnative plants spreading naturally. This is because birds, racoons, mice, and other animals eat seeds from our plants around our homes. These seeds then get deposited next door or many miles away. Be a good neighbor, go plant native.

Let’s make the choice to stop the introduction of nonnative or invasive plants. Follow the steps as outlined in the pamphlet.

What can you do?

  1. Know Your Plants
  2. Use Native or Noninvasive Alternatives
  3. Watch Out for Invasive Hitchhikers
  4. Have a Care if You Share
  5. Use Weed Free Seed Mixes
  6. Use Weed Free Soil & Mulch
  7. Keep an Eye on New Sprouts and Volunteers
  8. Be Especially Careful with Aquatic Plants
  9. Dispose of Invasive Plants Carefully
  10. If You Can’t Part with Your Invasive Plant, remember – contain it, control it, or cage it
  11. Never Release Exotic Pets into the Wild
  12. Clean Your Boat Before You Move It

For details on each of these ways you can promote native species, check out the pamphlet.

My experience with invasives

While working for the U.S. Forest Service at Land Between the Lakes, I learned firsthand about how destructive nonnative plants and animals can be. This pamphlet is spot on regarding what we can do.

I watched as kudzu took over the roadside plants, trees, and any structures in its way including telephone wires. The kudzu folk lore included a story about a sickly, older gentleman who suffocated in his bed– by kudzu. The University of Georgia pamphlet’s cover photo reminded me of my drive to work. Absolutely gorgeous – and so destructive.

For a look at this invasive species, check out the Smithsonian Magazine’s The True Story of Kudzu, the Vine That Never Truly Ate the South: A naturalist cuts through the myths surrounding the invasive plant by Bill Finch (September 2015). Yes, the man suffocated by kudzu is exactly that — folklore. However if you have seen this invasive plant in action, you would believe that folklore.

Feral hogs also brought destruction to our recreation area everywhere they went. Originally released for sport, States eventually outlawed hunting of feral hogs.

Plus that #11 about releasing exotic pets in the wild, don’t. We all can’t be “Joe the Tiger King” and open up a zoo. We found all kinds of animals left in the wild at Land Between the Lakes. One time six-foot plus albino python freaked our visitors out as it slithered in the ditch.

We all need to do our part.

Kudzu plants out of control
Cover of the University of Georgia Pamphlet: “Kudzu, the poster child of invasive plants eats yet another home.” Photo credit Jerry Asher, USDA Bureau of Land Management

“That beautiful, green ivy climbing your tree could be the dreaded kudzu. The climbing, semi-woody perennial vine kills or degrades plants by smothering them under a solid blanket of leaves, by girdling wood stems and tree trunks, and by breaking branches or uprooting entire trees and shrubs. They grow rapidly – about one foot per day – and as many as 30 vines may grow from a single shoot.”

U.S. Forest Service
Native plant or not?
(Accessed April 2020 )

If not now, when?

Now is the perfect time as we shelter in place to clean up our outdoor spaces — and to go native while we’re at it. Go plant that oak tree.

This will be a trend that can do us all a lifetime of good. Pay it forward.

Finding Help

Because we are sheltering in place, you may want to do your homework online before you call or visit your local nursery to purchase native plants. However, your local nursery is a wealth of information on helping you landscaper your yard with native, non-invasive, trees, plants, and flowers. Use their knowledge.

In addition to above references, remember your local County Extension Office can help you in deciding what plants that thrive in your neighborhood.

I have called on the professionals at our Sedgwick County Extension Office before when I bought a home by the river. The fertile ground produced a lot of spontaneous vegetation — and I could not tell plant from weed. In today’s social distancing climate, the office will answer your gardening and landscaping questions through email. They also have links for gardening that includes a list of preferred plants and trees. You can download the vegetable list for our county. I plan to do some balcony garden pots for my vegetables this year because I crave tomatoes in summertime.

In addition to gardening help, our Sedgwick County Extension Office started a program to improve the local food market with ICT Food Circle. (ICT is our airport call letters.) Beginning this April, a Funky Fresh Farmers Market has moved online with help from a local promoter who has a large, outdoor facility in downtown Wichita. You now order online for free pickup or they deliver within Wichita for a $5 fee. The menu includes enchiladas, fresh vegetables, meats, coffee, beer, and more. (Please note that the beer is available for pickup only.) A win-win arrangement for us all. Order today.

There may be a program like this in your area.

More help is out there

You can find additional information to go plant native at:

I want to thank everyone in advance for cleaning up your yards from nonnatives and invasive plants. In 2020 now more than ever we understand how we are all connected — one earth. Let’s do our part and …

#GoPlantNative

Equal Folks

Equal Strokes for Equal Folks offers language alternatives to biased gender talk. This includes words to use for gender neutral speaking and writing.

Equal Strokes for Equal Folks

The other day a DJ on the morning show referred to a female as a “girl” who worked at a local gym. I noticed this as a common occurrence when he referenced women. I have yet to hear him refer to a member of the male species as a “boy” in an adult work situation. And…

He is not alone.

With the stroke of a pen and a flick of the tongue, influencers — such as DJs, podcasters, speakers, managers, and even coworkers — insist that “girls will be girls and boys will be men.” Really?

Really. To help him and all of us, I decided to build a table with the male and female counterparts. In my life, everyone one is equal. Kudos to Microsoft Office for recommending inclusive language when writing in Word.

To help remove bias speak, I offer the following tables.

Male Female Neutral | Gender Inclusive
Boy Girl Child
Man Woman Person | Individual | Adult
Guy Gal Person | Individual
Gentleman Lady Honorable- People |
Person | Individual
Dear Sir Dear Madam | Ma’am To Whom It May Concern |
Dear Member/Chair | Dear Editor
Mr. Ms. Mx.
Husband Wife Spouse
Father Mother Parent
Brother Sister Sibling
Househusband Housewife Homemaker | Stay-at-home parent
Actor Actress Actor
Chairman Chairwoman Chair | Chairperson | Coordinator | Head | Lead
Congressman Congress woman Representative | Senator
Congressional Representative | Legislator
Male Doctor Female Doctor Doctor
Doorman Doorwoman Door Attendant
Mailman Mailwoman Mail Carrier | Letter Carrier | Postal Worker
Policeman Policewoman Police Officer
FiremanFirewomanFirefighter
Steward Stewardess Flight Attendant
Waiter Waitress Server
He She They
Him Her Them
His Hers Theirs
Mankind | Manhood Womankind | Womanhood People | Humans | humankind | Humanity

Our language, and the words we choose to communicate, must reflect respect — even more so in the workplace. Equality starts with you. Words hold power; let’s use them wisely. To that end, please check out some rules I have found to further help you communicate better.

Inclusion and Acceptance

While taking harassment training at Quinnipiac University in April of 2019, I realized I had a few more descriptors to add to the list above. These are gender inclusive.

In the table below, I included words that demonstrate kindness towards people who may be different from us — or towards ourselves if it describes us.

My good friend transformed within a 60-day period — from walking normally to now using a wheelchair — and now a motorized wheelchair. It’s been a shock on us all. After my training, I changed my language use from “confined to a wheelchair” to “using a wheelchair.” I feel better knowing how to phrase her story with kindness when people ask me.

OffensivePreferred
DisabledPerson with a disability
DyslexicPerson with dyslexia
Confined to a wheelchairPerson who uses a wheelchair
Homosexual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender
LGBT (Q at the end represents “queer” or “questioning)
Sexual PreferenceOrientation

This table can be expanded considerably when you check out the Society of Professional Journalists’ Diversity Style Guide. It also includes detailed lists for a kinder and gentler approach to communicating.

Another great reference article by Nehemiah Green I found recently comes from my Medium subscription. I recommend you read 70 Inclusive Language Principles That Will Make You A More Successful Recruiter (Part 1) and follow on to Part 2.

Race related writing

2007 AP Stylebook
My 2007 AP Stylebook has served me well as my “writing bible.” Their online version makes it much easier to search and follow trends.

I decided to write a separate post referencing “race” in your story. Check out my AP Stylebook: Resource for race-related coverage blog post for details.


I am updating this post as I gain new knowledge or hear something that I left off. I originally wrote this piece in November of 2018. Thanks for letting us be a part of your life.

Jan

P.S. Like Aretha Franklin, “All I’m askin’ here is a little respect…” (Lyrics at https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2877312/Aretha+Franklin/Respectand song history at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/untold-history-behind-aretha-franklin-respect/)

Rainbow of people symbols
We’re all in this world together,. Let’s treat each other with respect and be equality minded with our words.

Great reference sites for writing and speaking

Society of Professional Journalists | Diversity Style Guide http://www.diversitystyleguide.com/

North Carolina University | The Writing Center
https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/
https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/gender-inclusive-language/

Purdue | Online Writing Lab | OWL
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/pronouns/gendered_pronouns_and_singular_they.html

Inclusion and Acceptance; check out GLAAD’s Media Guide http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/GLAAD-Media-Reference-Guide-Tenth-Edition.pdf

The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook https://www.apstylebook.com/