9/14/2025 EPISODE #58 Words Matter: Eight Words & Phrases That Can Get You Into Trouble

In today’s episode of Conversations With Carole, we explore the power of language and the unintended consequences of everyday words and phrases. What you say may seem harmless, but the impact on others can be lasting, offensive, or dismissive.

Carole breaks down eight common words and phrases that can trigger negative reactions, create distance, or reinforce harmful stereotypes. She explains why these expressions are problematic, shares cultural context, and offers better alternatives that promote respect and inclusion.

The eight words/phrases discussed include:

1. “You people” – why this collective phrase often sounds derogatory.
2. “People of color” – how usage depends on context and confidence.
3. “Colored people” – why this outdated term is unacceptable in the U.S. today.
4. “Articulate” – how it can feel condescending when applied selectively.
5. “Poor communities” – the hidden implications behind labeling.
6. “Safe neighborhood” (or its opposite “crime-ridden”) – the coded language of geography.
7. “Idyllic life” – how this phrase privileges some lifestyles while dismissing others.
8. “Broken home” – why this term can be inaccurate and painful, and what to say instead
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Carole draws from history, current events, and personal experience to demonstrate how these words can alienate others—even when not intended. By choosing more accurate and respectful language, we can create conversations that connect rather than divide.

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