New Recommendations for Democrats’ Vocabulary

A think tank on the center-left plans to unveil a list of 45 terms and phrases that Democrats should consider dropping from their conversations this Friday.

The initiative, known as the “Blue Blacklist,” categorizes various words and phrases that have become common in both progressive and conservative discussions. These categories include “therapeutic speaking,” “organizer jargon,” and “seminar room language.”

Some terms like “privilege,” “other,” “trigger,” “safe space,” and “body shame” are flagged in the “therapeutic speaking” category. The report suggests that such language implies a superiority in empathy, creating a divide rather than fostering unity.

Words in the “seminar room language” category are said to convey an attitude of intellectual elitism, such as the phrase “I’m smarter than you.” Many of these terms have been associated with progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar, who often speak about topics like “destroying norms” and “systems of oppression.”

Furthermore, phrases such as “food insecurity” and “housing insecurity,” as well as words related to pregnancy and breastfeeding, are discouraged. The think tank argues this could alienate potential allies.

Democrats are also cautioned against terms that might shift the narrative to make criminals seem like victims, undermining the actual victims’ experiences.

According to co-founder Matt Bennett, language used by progressives often fails to resonate with the average voter. He notes that these phrases come from academic settings and are not part of everyday conversation. “People don’t talk like this,” he insists, adding that using such terms can create uncomfortable barriers between Democrats and their constituents.

Bennett encourages Democrats to reflect on the language used in casual settings, questioning whether these terms would even be heard at family gatherings or local interactions.

On social media, reactions to the list were mixed. Abigail Jackson, a deputy director at the White House, quipped about the implications of not using those terms, while FCC Chairman Brendan Kerr jokingly suggested that these recommendations might only worsen the situation.

Professor Keith Humphreys from Stanford University remarked on the list’s intent, criticizing the idea of “linguistic police” and emphasizing the importance of open dialogue instead.