From The Marshall Project:
When we are not called mad dogs, animals, predators, offenders and other derogatory terms, we are referred to as inmates, convicts, prisoners and felons—all terms devoid of humanness which identify us as “things” rather than as people. These terms are accepted as the “official” language of the media, law enforcement, prison industrial complex and public policy agencies. However, they are no longer acceptable for us. ...We are asking everyone to stop using these negative terms and to simply refer to us as PEOPLE. PEOPLE currently or formerly incarcerated, PEOPLE on parole, PEOPLE recently released from prison, PEOPLE in prison, PEOPLE with criminal convictions, but PEOPLE. —Eddie Ellis, “An Open Letter to Our Friends on the Question of Language.”
As a formerly incarcerated woman, I cringe every time I hear or read terms such as “inmate,” “ex-offender,” “prisoner” and “ex-convict.” These words are dehumanizing because, as previously incarcerated activist Eddie Ellis writes, “they identify us as ‘things’ rather than people.” Media outlets, legislators and the general public have the ability to choose different words. But people hold on to labels like “offender” to keep people like me in my place.
Maybe this would change if more people knew how it feels to have the word “offender” or “inmate” take the place of their name. For women, labels like these can become extensions of slurs like "bitch.” Research shows that the majority of women who are incarcerated have been victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault and/or childhood abuse. This violence often contributes to the acts that land them behind bars. Prison labels can take you back to the feeling of powerlessness that abuse creates. In this way, you’re retraumatized and triggered. Continue reading >>>
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