At the outset, it should be stated that this is not meant to be a prescriptive guide that tells one what words should or should not be used, and in fact, we do not believe such a guide would be productive. Instead, through this guide we aim to point to how language that is often taken to be neutral or objective can carry implicit bias and embody a specific subjectivity. We point to specific words only to highlight terms and descriptors that are commonly used uncritically in ways that can be problematic. At the same time, we acknowledge that it is not as simple as replacing one term with another that is assumed to be neutral. As Anjalie Dalal-Clayton and Ananda Rutherford explain in a report on critical cataloging practices, “although problematic words and terms undoubtedly need to be identified and addressed, there is no single, universally appropriate way of doing this, and that specificity of context, transparency of purpose, and research are crucial to making meaningful change…” (Paul Mellon Centre) In the end, we hope that this primer will encourage a more critical engagement with one’s own positionality and biases.
Implied perspectives / lack of neutrality in terminology:
- In terms like Orient/al/ism, Exotic/ism there is an assumed Western perspective
- In terms like Dutch Golden Age, one assumes the perspective of those prosperous in the period; more here
- Usage of such terms should be done purposefully and thoughtfully
- Care with use of period terminology (and its translation)
- Think about language that implies one’s audience shares the same positionality
Language around description of persons (Race / Ethnicity / Gender / Sexuality / Age / Disability / Wealth):
- When appropriate, consider using people-first / person-centered language
- Think about what person-first language does in a given context
- Do not merely replace one word with another, but think about how adjectives in person-first language center the person
- When possible, be specific
- Be aware of how certain communities prefer to be identified (which could change)
- Think about the positionality of terms like “anonymous” (to whom? And why?)
- Think about whether a descriptor is necessary, and whether descriptors are applied equally to various groups
Further resources: