I think inclusive language is a way to pat ourselves on the back when we really should be enacting inclusive behavior.

Changing language is always tempting because it’s a zero-effort way to do nothing and appear like you’re doing something.

Inclusive language per se not a problem, but it’s far too easy for it to act as an empty virtue signal.

Here’s an example of an inclusive behavior: next time you’re thinking of cutting someone out of your life, don’t.

See what I mean? There’s gonna be people who would take offense at the idea of letting someone stay in your life, giving them another chance, because it could be unsafe or it’s not your job or something.

But keeping people around is the definition of inclusion. Inclusive language allows us to think of ourselves as inclusive without actually being inclusive.