8.2: What Is Coded Language?

I’ve been thinking a lot about coded language lately. If you’re unfamiliar with that term, coded language is when someone is talking negatively about a marginalized group without explicitly saying who they’re talking about — but the “code” is that other people in the dominant culture know exactly who they’re talking about. While coded language is seemingly neutral, it is actually very harmful. In this episode, I share the story from my own life that is the reason why coded language has been on my mind, and you’ll also hear: What coded language is generally What racist coded language is specifically What to do when you hear racist coded language Break down a few examples of codes language    Invite Jasmine to work with your school! Are you a parent or teacher who wants to help your school turn good intentions into positive action by making anti-racist education a priority? First Name Basis is here to help! Jasmine Bradshaw, the host and founder of the First Name Basis Podcast, is an anti-racist educator and former second-grade teacher who has a passion for helping schools make real change. Whether you’re looking for a keynote speaker at your next PTA event, want to implement our Ally Elementary curriculum at your school, or need someone to consult with your school and provide teacher trainings, Jasmine is your go-to resource. Email [email protected] or head to firstnamebasis.org/workwithme for more information!   Check out our Summer Sale! We have a surprise for you — Ally Elementary Jr., Ally Elementary and Juneteenth Jubilee are all available RIGHT NOW! And to make that news even better, we’re running a HUGE sale now through June 23! With Juneteenth right around the corner, you can get $25 off Juneteenth Jubilee to help you plan the perfect Juneteenth Dinner.  Or you can get $75 off Ally Elementary Jr. or Ally Elementary, and when you purchase either of those programs, you’ll get Juneteenth Jubilee FOR FREE! No coupon code needed — the deal will automatically load itself into your cart. If you’re interested in bringing anti-racist education into your home or classroom, now is the time to get them! Summer is a great time to start using these programs in your home or to prepare to use them in your classroom.  Head over to firstnamebasis.org/allyelementary to learn more or to get the programs!    Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode First Name Basis Podcast, Season 5, Episode 8: “White Children and Uncomfortable History: What Do We Do?” Definition of coded language from Language, Please “7 Harmful Racial Discourse Practices to Avoid,” National Education Association “Ten Stages of Genocide,” The Genocide Education Project   Song Credit: “Sleeper” by Steve Adams” and “Dive Down” by VYEN