New post sheds light on impact of language on gunshot injury discussions
In a new peer-reviewed article published in the American Journal of Public Health, physician and researcher Emmy Betz, MD, MPH, leads a diverse group that is tackling how words used in relation to gun injuries and deaths can impact gun injury prevention. fire.
Betz is professor of emergency medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Epidemiology at the Colorado School of Public Health on the University of Colorado medical campus at Anschutz, where she directs the ‘Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative.
“Using mutual and effective language regarding gun injuries and deaths across fields, disciplines and cultures with personalized messages where appropriate can help the country shift harmful narratives in policy.” media and to move things forward towards gun injury prevention, ”Betz said.
The paper was co-authored by Betz and leaders of various organizations, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Health Alliance for Violence Intervention, Aspen Institute’s AFFIRM, and the Second Amendment Organization. The group presents culturally-respectful language related to guns, gun suicide and gun violence to help guide conversations in an effort to help prevent injuries and deaths related to guns. to firearms.
They write: “We seek to encourage public health professionals, health care providers and researchers, including those working in health policy, to use shared, informed and non-judgmental language as a first step. essential step to create trust and lasting collaboration ”.
Changing harmful narratives
“Words are powerful tools to heal or harm, especially for black and brown communities disproportionately affected by communal violence in this country,” said Fatimah Loren Dreier, executive director of the Health Alliance for Violence Intervention. “As we discuss in this article, it is important to avoid language that perpetuates harmful stereotypes or re-victimizes communities already traumatized by racism and high rates of violence. Instead, we invite readers to use the language to create opportunities for connection and transformation. “
The article also discusses how conversations about injury prevention led by clinicians or public health officials should include a recognition of the strong sense of personal responsibility and commitment to safety among gun owners at fire. The authors suggest certain terms, as well as an approach that encourages independent decision-making, such as offering options when discussing safe storage choices with gun owners.
“As a clinician and public communicator, I have seen with my own eyes the power of words to do good – and to do harm. We hope this article helps more of us move the discussion forward. on the prevention of injuries by firearms, “said Megan L. Ranney, MD, MPH, associate Dean, School of public health, Brown University.
The language used in gun discussions matters
Another important topic discussed is the messages and words around suicide prevention. For example, they explain why it is important to use “committed suicide” in relation to “committed suicide” and discuss other terms that should be used. The document also details responses to community violence and prioritizes the needs of victims over questioning, as well as recognition and attention to the complex factors that increase the risk of community gun violence.
“With more than half of people in the United States having experienced the loss of someone to suicide, it is important to use respectful and compassionate language. It’s hard enough to feel that life isn’t worth living or having lost someone and it’s important to avoid critical language, ”said Jill Harkavy-Friedman, PhD, vice research chair, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Rob Pincus, executive vice president of the Second Amendment Organization, says in reference to this article: “I was proud to be invited to contribute to this article. I think it is essential that anyone who wishes to reduce the negative effects of working with firearms gun owners accountable and our industry.
The authors conclude: “Talking about the prevention of gun injuries, suicide and community violence can be difficult, and the language we use affects how messages are received and the perpetuation of stereotypes. or stigmata. Mutual understanding of the language can help clinicians, researchers and the public to work together better to prevent injuries and deaths by gunshot.
The document is available here.
