From our earliest days, we are taught words matter. Our parents instruct us not to call people names, say rude things, or make fun of those with differences.
We all lose our way sometimes. But if you have perceived shifts in the language used on cable news and by politicians — even maybe friends or family — you are not alone. Our language has become coarser and meaner. This is quite dangerous.
In his first address to media professionals on May 12, Pope Leo XIV echoed the calls of Pope Francis, saying: “Let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism and even hatred.” He also pointed out that “Communication is not only the transmission of information but it is also the creation of a culture.”
Words indeed shape our world. Biblically speaking, the power of God’s words created the world (Hebrews 11:3). King Solomon wrote that words have the power to destroy or build up (Proverbs 12:6). Jesus said we “will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word… For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36–37).
There is nothing new about the populism and nationalism driving some of today’s harmful discourse. Populist and nationalist leaders often foment perceptions of battles between those with shared racial, religious, ethnic, and/or national similarities and “others.”
Otherization is always reflected in language, and the harms caused persist for years. Warring nations use propaganda to whip up sentiment against opponents, leading to decades of prejudice and suspicion. Perpetrators of mass violence use dehumanizing language hoping the public will see their assaults as justified. Promoters of discriminatory policies label entire groups “poisonous” and the like or spread rumors of strange habits and customs supposedly practiced by a group.
In the last decade, there has been an increase in anti-immigrant framing of stories across media outlets. The use of terms like “criminals” and “invaders” has increased, along with the particularly despicable “illegals” and its variants which can have dire public policy consequences.
When I served on the Global Commission on International Migration, which reported to the United Nations, I learned that the most influential factor on attitudes toward migration was how the media reports on migrants. For years, media across the world have reported a constant stream of stories related to migrants and migration, many focused on the particularly sensational aspects or examples.
Politicians have used these reports to mobilize support through campaigns that project systematically negative images of migrants. Careless or ignorant reporting has obscured objective reality. Refugees, asylum seekers and migrants end up singled out for attack — but in the end, all of us reap the harm.
Most people believe they are not swayed by advertising or other persuasion tactics. Unfortunately, few of us are immune to the effects of rhetorical dehumanization. Boise State University conducted a study in which individuals were randomly assigned to read one of two texts on illegal immigration. The first presented a negative but non-dehumanizing picture. The second compared immigration to natural disasters, vermin, and disease.
Participants were asked afterwards about their attitudes on immigration. Those exposed to dehumanizing language favored more punitive policies, including actions designed to do real harm to people. Asked about their emotional reactions to immigrants, those in the dehumanization group communicated more anger and disgust. These effects showed whether individuals came to the study as liberal or conservative.
Rhetorical dehumanization is powerful. Today’s inhumane policies toward immigrants around the world are a product of their environment. We can turn things around — but it will require real work. We must start with ourselves, committing to using language that upholds the dignity of all.
Second, we must speak out against language that causes harm. Challenge sweeping claims about entire groups of people. This may include having difficult conversations with people close to us.
Finally, send a message to public officials and media that you expect them to do better. Those in positions of influence and authority should speak about people with the respect owed human beings simply because we are all created in the image of God.
DiMarzio is the bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Brooklyn.
