Epithets
Epithets are derogatory labels used in discourse, signaling that an issue is being viewed as a fight between people rather than ideas, and that identity may be biasing judgment.
THE IDEA
7. Epithets
You’ve heard the standard epithets in political and cultural “discourse”: social justice warriors, feminazis, neckbeards, snowflakes, Woke Brigade, libtards, and more. The “mommy wars” have epithets like “lactivists, “Breastapo,” and “defensive formula feeders (DFFs).” Child-free people sometimes refer to people with children as “breeders” or to children as “spawn.” Then there are the all-purpose epithets: idiots, loonies, morons, crazies . . .
If you use epithets like these in talking about a particular issue, that’s a sign you’re viewing it as a fight between people, not ideas. That doesn’t necessarily mean your position on the issue is wrong or that the other side is right, but it does mean that your identity is probably coloring your judgment.
When to use it
During a political debate, instead of calling your opponent a 'libtard', consider the actual policy disagreement.
In a workplace meeting, avoid using terms like 'idiots' when discussing a colleague's proposal; focus on the idea's merits.
When discussing parenting choices, refrain from using 'lactivists' or 'defensive formula feeders' to maintain a constructive conversation.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Common Epithets
List of epithets such as 'social justice warriors', 'feminazis', 'neckbeards', 'snowflakes', 'Woke Brigade', 'libtards', 'lactivists', 'Breastapo', 'defensive formula feeders (DFFs)', 'breeders', 'spawn', 'idiots', 'loonies', 'morons', 'crazies'.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
When you catch yourself using an epithet, what underlying assumption about the other person are you making?
How does using epithets affect your ability to understand the opposing viewpoint?
Can you recall a time when you used an epithet and later realized it clouded your judgment?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- The Scout Mindset (Julia Galef)