The Language of Resistance

As one of the organizers of the Women's March on Washington - Edmonton Solidarity Event, I was invited to speak on "The Language of Resistance" at the Sociology Undergraduate Students' Association Speakers Series on March 5, 2017. Here is a video of my talk, as well as my notes.

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I've been an activist for over a decade (synopsis of how I got involved with #WMWYEG).

How I've seen and heard language change.

With the rise of the "alt-right," language is more divisive, more vicious, and often misleading.

"Alt-right" is itself a misnomer, deceptive. "Alternative" can be seen as a good thing (alternative music or films).

What it really is: racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, Anti-Semitism, hatred.

Has led to what we've seen in AB, threats against women who are politically active, either in office or who are prominent. An irony is that a motivation for me to get involved with #wmwyeg was because of women being threatened, to find myself the target of such threats in the days following the march.

We on the Left have shifted to greater inclusion. Used to talk about "gay" or "queer" community, now LGBTQ with more added.

Use of pronouns (asking what pronouns a person wants used, for eg.).

Making a conscious choice to have People of Colour involved (we wanted a short, but diverse program at #wmwyeg and we achieved that).

All About LOVE! The Language of resistance is the language of love.