Political Terminology: Decoding the Lingo

Words like “woke,” “patriotism,” “socialism,” or “freedom” show up everywhere in today’s political conversations—but they don’t always mean the same thing to everyone. Political terminology can spark unity for some and frustration for others, depending on how the words are used and understood.

At this meeting, we’ll explore how political labels and terms shape our conversations, identities, and debates. Together, we’ll consider what these words mean to different people and how language can both build bridges and create divides.

We’ll ask questions such as:

• What political terms do you find most confusing, powerful, or misunderstood?
• Who creates these terms - and for what purpose?
• How do words like “patriotism,” “woke,” or “freedom” carry different meanings depending on who uses them?
• In what ways can political terminology unite people—or push them further apart?
• Should we try to agree on shared definitions, or accept that these words will always mean different things to different people?

Other questions:

• How might you ask someone what they mean by a particular political term in the spirit understanding? How can you use a political term without being misunderstood?
• How does having an “official” definition of a political term support communication and connection?
• How useful are political terms when we are trying to solve actual problems?

This will be an opportunity to share perspectives, deepen understanding, and reflect on how the language of politics shapes the way we see each other and our country.

Please do your best to arrive at the beginning of the meeting – once we are in breakout rooms and the conversations have started, the meeting doors close to new arrivals. The breakout rooms open (and the doors close) approximately 15 minutes after the hour.

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