Racialized groups

In our commitment to fostering an equitable environment, it is essential to recognize and respect the identities and experiences of racialized groups. This section of the style guide aims to provide guidance on language and terminology that accurately represents and honors the identities of individuals from various racial and ethnic backgrounds.  

Racialized groups refer to individuals who are identified or categorized based on their race or ethnicity and may experience systemic inequalities due to societal biases. 

Language plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions and attitudes, and using inclusive terminology can promote understanding and respect. This guide will outline preferred terms, avoid terms, and the rationale behind these choices, ensuring that communication is sensitive, informed, and reflective of the rich diversity within racialized communities.  

• Always consult. All social groups have different ways of naming or referring to themselves. It’s important to be mindful and respectful of language when discussing race and identity. When in doubt, it's always best to ask individuals how they prefer to be identified. 
• Avoid generalizations and labels. Identify a person by race, colour, national origin or immigration status only when it is truly pertinent. It is appropriate to report that a woman facing deportation is Polish. Similarly, the victim of hate mail may be referred to as a Jew. A full description, including but not limited to colour, may be used if a person wanted by police is at large.
• Avoid writing broadly about diverse communities. Avoid the dangers inherent in painting a large group of people with the same brush. Be specific and avoid generalizations. When certain descriptors are relevant, be as specific as possible to avoid inaccurate or generalized statements. 

  • Example: use “Dominicans” rather than “Hispanics.” Or  “people of colour/racialized people” when you mean “Black people” 

• Avoid assumptions. It should not be taken for granted that a Muslim ceremony needs explanation while a Roman Catholic mass does not. Never assume your readers share your background. Watch the labels — calling some fruit “exotic” might make sense to someone raised in rural Saskatchewan but would not ring true to many cultures in Toronto who grew up eating it for breakfast.
• Be conscious of context and connotations. Some terms carry connotations within a community that might not be apparent outside of it. The word “thug,” once defined as a “violent criminal” or “menace,” is heard by many as a racial slur. 
• Avoid adding “the” to a marginalized group. E.g., Don’t call people “the homeless,” “the disabled,” “the Chinese,” “the elderly,” etc. Instead, use “homeless [or unhoused] people,” “Chinese people.”   

• Use honorifics for racialized people and women who have earned professional title. E.g., Dr. Martin Luther King (or Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, not “Martin Luther King” or “MLK.” Professor Crenshaw, not Kim Crenshaw, etc.)   

A note on racist commentary: When a story revolves around racist language, it can be hard to find the right balance between the public's right to know and the risk of causing further offence. Keeping the details of a slur from a reader can impair understanding. Consider creative ways of communicating the details without using the words in question. Sometimes, leaving out the word is impossible. Always consult supervisors before using racially derogatory terms, and only in a direct quotation and when essential to the story. Using asterisks instead of all but the first and last letters is also an option. 

Here is a quick reference list of recommended language.  

Contact us

If you have any further questions about the race and ethnicity style, please contact University Communications by email at urcomms@uwaterloo.ca.