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Add term: Totem pole #4

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19 changes: 19 additions & 0 deletions content/language/word-list/totem-pole.md
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# 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.*