Language plays a critical role in every form of prejudice

Language and prejudice: Direct and moderated effects

From Journal of Language and Social Psychology   

In the ever-increasing globalization of the world, there has been a parallel increase in the amount of contact between members of different social groups, and thus, more opportunities than ever before for discrimination based on prejudice. Though it is clear that prejudice and language are related, these constructs have traditionally been treated as separate and distinct in psychology. This study examines empirical evidence and confirms that language is inextricably linked with every form of prejudice; be it explicit expressions, implicit transmission of beliefs, or the subtle distortion of perception. It transmits prejudice, reveals prejudiced beliefs, distorts perception, and can be the basis of prejudice or a tool for change. This paper reinforces the idea that the study of language adds value beyond that of a purely social psychological approach to prejudice.

Fukushima one year on: Poor planning hampered Fukushima response

Fukushima in review: A complex disaster, a disastrous response

From Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists 

One year after an earthquake and tsunami hit Japan on March 11, 2011, an independent investigation panel has highlighted the country’s failures in disaster planning and crisis management for the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The article shows that agencies were thoroughly unprepared for the cascading nuclear disaster, following a tsunami that should have been anticipated.

The Rebuild Japan Initiative Foundation established an independent investigation panel to review how key actors responded during the disaster. According to the investigation, the tsunami could and should have been anticipated. Many human errors were made at Fukushima, illustrating the dangers of building multiple nuclear reactor units close together. A public myth of “absolute safety,” nurtured by nuclear power proponents over decades, contributed to the lack of adequate preparation. Even in the technologically advanced country of Japan, the government and the plant operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company, were astonishingly unprepared, and this grave oversight will affect the Japanese people for decades. The authors conclude. “Ultimately, the final outcome of studies of Fukushima Daiichi should be an intense effort to build up the resilience of the country, its organizations, and its people, so future disaster can be averted or responded to effectively.”

Can you hear me now? The experience of a deaf family member surrounding the death of loved ones

From: Palliative Medicine

It is well documented that good communication is a vitally important issue to family members of a dying person. The challenges for a Deaf person in this situation are therefore often considerably greater. Estimates of the size of the Deaf community range from 100,000 to 1.8 million in the USA alone.  American Sign Language is considered the third most commonly used language in the USA. It is clear Deaf people are a significant demographic and this case study highlights how their needs have been largely overlooked. There is limited research concerning healthcare for the Deaf community and even less regarding care at the end of life. This study offers a framework for future research and provides valuable guidance for clinicians.