On Point | Podcast
The new war on words
Apr 9, 2025
Thomas Chatterton Williams, a staff writer at The Atlantic and a senior fellow at Bard College, joins Yale philosophy professor Jason Stanley for a lively discussion. They explore the emergence of a 'woke right,' dissecting language policing with examples like 'chest feeding' vs. 'breastfeeding.' Their conversation touches on how political narratives shape societal dynamics, the influence of social media on language, and parallels between contemporary politics and historical authoritarianism. The duo emphasizes the urgent need for vigilance in the ongoing struggle for ideological expression.
46:14
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Quick takeaways
- The current discourse reveals that both the political right and left engage in language policing, reshaping narratives to assert ideological dominance.
- Technological platforms amplify the fragmentation of information, intensifying polarization and pressuring individuals to conform to specific linguistic norms.
Deep dives
The Language Policing Debate
The power dynamics surrounding language have become a contentious issue, particularly as conservatives accuse liberals of policing speech through political correctness. This shift has manifested in various suggestions to change standard terminologies, such as using 'chest feeding' instead of 'breastfeeding' and replacing 'mother' with 'birthing parent.' Supporters of these changes argue that they aim to create a more inclusive language that recognizes diverse identities, including gender nonconformity. Critics, however, see this as an overreach that stifles debate and imposes a form of ideological conformity that resembles the tactics they associate with the left.
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