Olivia and Raven discuss the influence language has on people’s attitudes, words having positive and negative impacts, and the roles everyday words have in everyday problems.

Discussion Summary:

0:33: Topic intro.

00:57: What sparked Raven’s passion for language and its impact.

02:17: How attitudes are formed, both positive and negative words have an impact, and where our attitudes come from.

06:16: Why it’s important to examine why we think the way we think, and adopting attitudes from people we admire or share common values with.

12:54: Confirmation bias.

15:56: The relationship between our attitudes, microaggressions, and how people are treated.

26:49: Word usage in English seems very limited compared to other languages, and the “I know who I am” argument for dismissing sensitivity to microaggressions.

31:48: Thinking critically, examining your own beliefs, and the value in understanding a perspective different #from the one you hold.

39:16: Conversations and idea expression influence attitudes, and in turn, influence prejudice and bias.

44:46: Our attitudes and the ways we discuss issues need to adjust as laws change, and how changing our words has a far-reaching impact.

50:28: The value in challenging your own perspective, and not feeling attacked or angered during a discussion about views.

59:11: Teaching children that their words have weight and to think through what they say, and the classroom, for children and adults alike, provides numerous opportunities to shape the way people use language.

1:02:13: Judging people based on their spelling versus judging idea expression.

1:07:57: Both the classroom and workplace can be opportunities for us to become more aware of how language influences attitudes.

1:09:18: Undermining the powerful process of verbal communication.

1:11:12: Outro.

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Music credits: Opening: Goestories - Noir Et Blanc Vie

Closing: First Class - DJ Williams