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On a recent trip back from Texas, I overheard a conversation that stopped me in my tracks. A group of white Caucasian people were discussing their experiences in Mexico, and one comment in particular grated on me. They were talking about the need to be have a trusted agent when they were in Mexico so they wouldn’t be talked about behind their backs. Then, one of them said, “Not my Hispanics.”

Wait, my Hispanics? My immediate reaction was one of shock and discomfort. My? As in, you own these so-called Hispanics? The casual way this phrase was tossed around, as though it were nothing, highlighted a much deeper issue—how comfortable some people are with language that denotes ownership or superiority over others.

It’s unsettling how easily such phrases slip into conversation, often without the speaker realizing the implications. But let’s be honest: this wasn’t just a harmless quip. It was a Freudian slip that reveals underlying biases, the kind that manifest through language and, ultimately, dictate action.

Language as a Reflection of Bias

Language is powerful. The words we choose to use—and the phrases we let slip without much thought—are often a direct reflection of our underlying beliefs and biases. When someone refers to a group of people as “my [insert ethnicity here],” it implies a sense of ownership, as though those people exist to serve or belong to the speaker in some way. This isn’t just a slip of the tongue; it’s a reflection of a mindset that sees others as less than or as possessions.

This is especially troubling when we consider the long history of colonization, slavery, and systemic racism that has been fueled by such language. The idea of one group of people owning or having control over another is deeply rooted in these histories, and when we hear phrases like “my Hispanics,” it’s hard not to be reminded of that painful past.

The Real-Life Impact of Biases Manifested Through Language

The impact of these biases isn’t just theoretical. Language like this contributes to real-world issues—discrimination in the workplace, racial profiling, and even violence against marginalized communities. When someone feels comfortable enough to casually refer to a group of people as “my Hispanics,” it’s a sign that they see those people as different, other, and perhaps even inferior. This mindset can lead to actions that harm others, whether it’s denying someone a job because of their ethnicity or treating them as though their only value lies in their ability to serve.

These biases are often so ingrained that the people who hold them don’t even realize they’re there. That’s what makes them so dangerous. A phrase like “my Hispanics” might seem harmless to the person who says it, but it’s a small piece of a much larger puzzle—a puzzle that, when put together, paints a picture of systemic inequality and dehumanization.

Why We Need to Be Conscious of Our Language

It’s time we start paying attention to the words we use and what they say about us. Language shapes our reality, and if we’re not careful, it can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reinforce the idea that some people are less than others. We need to be conscious of how our language reflects our biases and take steps to challenge those biases when they arise.

For those of us who belong to marginalized communities, it’s especially important to speak up when we hear language that perpetuates harmful stereotypes. We can’t let these slips of the tongue go unchecked because they’re not just words—they’re reflections of the biases that continue to shape our society.

Moving Forward: A Call for Change

We must challenge these casual, but insidious, expressions of bias whenever we encounter them. This isn’t just about language; it’s about changing the way we see and treat each other. It’s about recognizing that every person, regardless of their background, deserves to be seen as an individual with their own identity, not as someone who belongs to or is defined by another.

Next time you hear someone say something like “my Hispanics,” I encourage you to pause and think about what those words really mean. And if you’re brave enough, challenge the speaker to reconsider their language—and the biases that language reflects. Because in the end, the only way to create a more just and equal society is to start with ourselves, our words, and the beliefs they reveal.

And because it wouldn’t be me if I don’t give you a bit of bookish advice, here are some books that can help you challenge your biases

#LanguageMatters #BiasInLanguage #ChallengingRacism #SystemicInequality #SocialJustice