The "You Don't Say?" campaign at Duke University aims to spotlight language that marginalizes sexual and gender minorities. The campaign began as a discussion between two student organizations about bringing attention to phrases and slurs used in everyday conversation that could offend people. Photos from the campaign highlighting problematic language have spread widely across the campus and internet. The campaign's goal is not just about language itself, but what certain language represents in terms of people's beliefs and perceptions of the world, and ensuring one's speech aligns with their values and world views.

1. MODULE A: LANGUAGE, IDENTITY & CULTURE
THE POWER OF
LANGUAGE

12. WORDS AREN'T
HARMLESS
article summary
This fall, two student organizations at Duke University met to discuss a
simple idea: Put a spotlight on reasons people might take offense to
phrases and slurs used in everyday conversation.
The result of that conversation -- the "You Don't Say?"campaign, a
photo project that points out language that marginalizes sexual and
gender minorities -- has been sweeping across the Web and the
Durham, North Carolina, campus.

13. “This campaign is not about language; it is
about what this language represents… The
way we talk is a reflection of our beliefs and
perceptions of the world and it is vital, at
least for me, to examine whether what I say
is in line with my values and how I view the
world.”
Jay Sullivan, a Christian Duke University writes:

14. QUESTIONS
Answer the following in your books.
What is the goal of the campaign?
What are the individual and collective identities being addressed?
How does the language choice of the campaign:
a) affirm or reveal prevailing assumptions and beliefs about
individuals and cultural groups?
b) ignore, challenge or disrupt prevailing assumptions and
beliefs about individuals and cultural groups?