As you walk through the hallway, conversing and laughing lightheartedly with your colleagues, you overhear another conversation. You pick up on a phrase that makes your smile falter and your stomach sours. A student just casually referred to himself using the “r-word.” Later on, while watching a presidential speech, you listen intently, yet feel personally torn down as a political leader refers to a party as “garbage,” and your dignity takes a blow as a mayoral candidate calls a female journalist “piggy” in their address. In an age where humanity is driven by social consciousness and progressive ideals, where the prevalence of slurs, pejoratives and aggressive language appears to be lessening, all it takes is one dehumanizing, derogatory word to divide.
Despite progress, in any social setting, it isn’t uncommon to hear profanity or curse words. In fact, society has long-since become accustomed to this form of speech, especially younger generations. The same can be said about culturally, politically or sexually offensive terminology. However, regardless of humanity being possibly desensitized to this form of language, talking in such ways demonstrates the type of person one is to those around them, and, for some, these words can have a harmful effect—making people feel lesser because of their cultural backgrounds, genders and identities.
Over the last two decades, the rise of social media platforms has presented a double-edged sword when it comes to language. Users are able to share their truths and experiences, their opinions and beliefs. While this often opens doors to empathy and understanding, it can also lead to negative vulnerability and hate speech. However, some members of society are starting to hold others more accountable for the offensive language they use, which has constantly been seen through “Cancel Culture” online. For instance, in January, 2026, during his town hall speech, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen used the phrase “libtards” (a combination of the the term liberal and the “r-word”) three times, which has since received considerable backlash from politicians, advocacy groups, the press and the general public. It’s evident that Pillen’s use of the term was used to demean the Democratic party, however, through this phrase he also offended the disabled community, which he later addressed by saying he has respect for this particular demographic, and that insulting those with disabilities never occurred to him.
Nevertheless, this isn’t about politicians reinforcing polarization. In fact, it goes far beyond that: it’s about setting a standard for society, and standing on pillars of respect and civility, especially for those in the public eye. Unlike in the 1960s-90s, humanity is no longer ignorant when it comes to this type of language, and therefore it’s no longer socially acceptable to use it (even if it has become customary).
In addition to Pillen’s use of an offensive phrase, dehumanizing language has been seen in an array of other social and political settings. For example, in March of 2025, an Asian American woman was walking to work when she was verbally and physically harassed by a California man. This individual aggressively yelled multiple racists slurs at the woman, who had done nothing to provoke him. Moreover, during his 2024 presidential campaign, President Donald Trump directed the “b-word” at his fellow candidate of the opposing party, Kamala Harris, along with the word “dummy.” Finally, as of April, 2026, the automotive company Tesla is facing lawsuits due to their ongoing use of racial slurs directed at Black employees. These African American staff members have been regularly threatened, and have even faced retaliation for advocating against this oppression. In these instances, harsh language was used loosely and spitefully. Additionally, the phrases used feel regressive, particularly considering that they were directed at groups who have extensive histories of societal oppression.
However, this language isn’t just apparent among adults, but with adolescents as well: specifically in school settings. For, as a staff, we have seen and felt the negative impacts of dehumanizing language, which is loosely used by our peers.
Ultimately, one should anticipate that there’s always someone listening to the words they say. It can all be brought back to the centuries old metaphor: the pen is mightier than the sword. What’s just another phrase in one’s vocabulary is a punch to the gut for someone else. Whether one is using offensive language as a weapon or as a joke, it’s time to consider setting higher language standards for society. For in the end, words hold the power to be just as unifying as they are dividing.
