When the philosopher Heidegger wrote, “language is the house of being,” he was making a link between language and our experiences. Language and our choice of words, influences and shapes our perception and interpretation of what we experience. Recently, a reporter discovered the impact of word choice, referring to the sexual abuse of a 13 year old as a “tryst.” Media coverage, and our own discourse, particularly in social media, has an impact not only on what we pay attention to but also how we view that situation. Sometimes our lack of thoughtfulness about word choice negatively impacts our view of a situation. But often there is an intentional and systematic use of language designed to shape our perspective.
Femifesto is a feminist organization that is working to shift rape culture to consent culture. One of their first big projects was publishing Use The Right Words: Media Reporting on Sexual Violence in Canada, a free guide for journalists reporting on sexual violence. Media coverage determines not only what gets our attention but also how we interpret what we are hearing and seeing. Coverage, whether by formal media or through our own discourse, particularly in social media, continues to shame and blame survivors of sexual violence, perpetuating misogyny and an inherent devaluing of women.