From c77d28a92ca410ff6174463860a6a1c111a92356 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Larry Kunz <79585902+LarryKunz@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2022 13:22:58 -0400 Subject: [PATCH] Add term: Totem pole Add term: Totem pole as tier 3 --- content/language/word-list/totem-pole.md | 19 +++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 19 insertions(+) create mode 100644 content/language/word-list/totem-pole.md diff --git a/content/language/word-list/totem-pole.md b/content/language/word-list/totem-pole.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1638fb8 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/language/word-list/totem-pole.md @@ -0,0 +1,19 @@ +# Term: totem pole + +## Definition/Use Context +Often used in phrases such as *bottom of the totem pole* or *low man on the totem pole* to imply that someone or something is inferior. + +## Recommendation +Replace when possible. + +## Recommended replacements +- hierarchy +- rank + +## Unsuitable Replacements +None + +## Rationale +A totem pole is a sacred object in Indigenous communities, and the bottom of the totem pole has a specific symbolic meaning. Ddescribing someone or something as *bottom* or *low man*, to imply that they are inferior, dishonors the symbolic meaning and is inaccurate besides. + +*Adapted from a recommendation originally published by the IBM Inclusive IT Language Initiative Words Matter working group.*