On the occasion of National Grammar Day, University of Illinois linguist Dennis Barron has pointed out some arresting posters from a wartime version from the early 20th century. They’re from a 1918 Chicago Women’s Club initiative called...
colorism n.— «Before-and-after photos of Jackson tell a deeper story about color discrimination, also known as colorism—an intra-racial discrimination among African Americans.» —“Through the Past, Darkly” by DeNeen L...
Does the expression “call a spade a spade” have racist roots? Martha explains that it derives from an ancient Greek phrase, but cautions against its use nevertheless. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Call a Spade...
Unless you’ve been hiding out in a galaxy far, far away, you know that this is an election year. Grant and Martha talk about current political slang. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Political Slang” You’re...
push out rate n.— «The dropout rate, or more accurately the “push out rate,” for Indians is 250 percent higher than it is for the general population.» —“Racism in Indian country” by Dean Chavers Indian...
magic Negro n.— «Unlike the typical bluesy earth folksy denim-overalls noble-in-the-face-of-cracker-racism aw shucks Pulitzer Prize-winning protagonist mojo black man, I am not the seventh son of a seventh son of a seventh son. » —by...