This essay analyzes the problematic messaging in a Courage is a Habit resource on countering radical indoctrination in K-2 schools. It reveals that most claims are oversimplified or unsubstantiated. The author encourages the reader to question the credibility of those who distribute claims that are similarly unfounded. It makes a convincing call for a shift away from divisive rhetoric and towards respectful and constructive dialogue, a shift that is exceedingly important in today’s internet age. (Read parts 2 and 3)
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A Critical Analysis of the “Language Contamination Series” by Courage is a Habit
Part 1
Introduction
Courage is a Habit is “an organization that creates tools and strategies for the average parent, school board candidate, and legislator to take action in defending children from indoctrination in K-12,” according to hosts Andrew and Beth of the Take Back Our Schools podcast in an interview with "fellow parent activist" Alvin Lui, its founder. The organization’s work includes “exposing aspects [sic] social-emotional learning (SEL) in our schools" and explaining "how SEL is a gateway to teaching critical race theory (CRT) and radical gender ideology."The following is a critical analysis of Courage is a Habit’s first entry in its “Language Contamination” series, an 8 page long pdf document, something of a cross between a pamphlet and an infographic. Clicking on the image of the pdf will take you to a document saved on Google Drive.
In this essay I will do the following:
- (Part 1) Review the explanation of what it defines as language contamination, highlighting the incendiary language that is used, and provide basic information about how Courage is a Habit defines itself;
- (Part 2) Analyze the five claims that are allegedly supported by various social media comments, arguing for the most part that the comments used to substantiate these claims do not actually do so, and;
- (Part 3) Analyze their call to action, which in my opinion is not a constructive or productive way to approach education.
Language Contamination
What they say
The first entry in the series begins with a game of “Woke Bingo.” The counters used to mark squares are bright orange and labeled with the words kindness, inclusion, and pronouns. Other squares include the words abuse, affirm, isolate, suicide, safe, and neglect. In the middle there is a picture of what looks like a screenshot from tiktok, of a person with makeup and colorful clothing and the label "3 ways to disrespect your elders" with heart and sparkle emojis. It is unclear to me if there are meant to be more contributions to this series.
So what is language contamination? The document doesn’t actually define the term, but it does have something to say about it:
The “Language Contamination” series will help you understand their strategies so that you do not get lulled into complacency or guilted into silence.
The language is overlaid with an image of cartoonish green slime, dripping onto a screenshot of a twitter profile (someone who identifies themselves as “Educator, Artist, my pronouns are they/them”) with the words “PLAYER PROFILE” superimposed in shadow lettering.
The statement on “Language Contamination” seems to have the goal of educating readers about a manipulative tactic used by people who support CRT and transgender issues: the tactic of using words that sound reasonable, but actually have hidden agendas that aren’t immediately apparent; and that furthermore, when people use the language that will be presented in this document, that people are being intentionally misleading. It seems however that all of the examples that we will see in this document are taken from the one individual twitter feed.
Problematic messaging
Accusing people of being intentionally misleading is a serious allegation, even when it is well-founded; in this case, it is not, since every example was taken from one person. It’s problematic to represent an entire group’s opinion with just one person’s words, especially when those words are likely chosen with an agenda in mind. Moreover, accusing a group of people of using language intentionally to mislead others can create a hostile environment for people who identify with the group, reinforce stereotypes, and may result in discriminatory behavior. It can also contribute to the spread of misinformation about the accused group.
Additionally, the language used is both inflammatory and unclear. “Child Mutilation Advocates” is a new, unrecognized term in popular discourse and seems more like an attempt to cause people to have a strong emotional reaction, rather than fostering a constructive & educational discussion.
Overall, the “definition” provided for “language contamination” seems to me a deeply hypocritical one, as it does exactly what it seems to be calling out: twisting the meaning of words.
I am led to believe that most of those who support the ideas in this pamphlet, specifically those who think that CRT shouldn’t be taught in schools (which I see as a misconception about what CRT is) and those who do not support transgender issues, are operating out of a sincere belief that they know what is best for kids.
Whether or not the actions resulting from this belief lead to a fight for the well-being of children whom they think are being led astray by an evil world (as “the radical right” stereotypically thinks), or leads them to cause harm to marginalized people (as “the radical left” stereotypically thinks) is not the subject of this essay, but I will elaborate on it just a tiny bit here:
Maybe both are true, to a degree. Maybe the well-being of some children is being sacrificed by being led astray by cultural beliefs that don’t reflect who they truly are. Maybe the inflammatory, polarizing rhetoric that is showcased here does cause harm to marginalized groups. I reject the binary that it has to be one or another; and I argue that our incessant focus on these culture wars at the expense of “the other side” is preventing us from focusing on larger issues that need our attention.
And it’s stunting our ability to solve problems, identify our blind spots, and grow in productive ways.
About Courage is a Habit
What does Courage is a Habit say about itself? The following can be found on their About page.
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Our Philosophy:
Fear is a habit. Each time you want to speak up and you do not, it becomes a little easier next time to stay silent.
The great news is that courage is also a habit. Each time you speak up, even when you're afraid, it becomes a little easier next time to not stay silent.
Our Mission:
We believe that parents instinctively know how to protect their children's innocence. Our mission is to create actionable tools for parents so they can confidently fight for their children without apology.
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Courage is a Habit is an organization that claims to help “win the war against radical indoctrination in K-12”.
While I will be making the claim that the information put forth in Courage is a Habit’s Language Contamination series is problematic and harmful to our community, I do believe that there is value in being courageous and speaking up for what is right.
I also agree that the instinctual knowledge that parents have about their children is incredibly valuable and should be respected. However, I also believe that it's important to approach these issues with nuance and to avoid harmful rhetoric that can further divide communities.
A foundation for problem solving
Ultimately, I see value in striving for common ground and working towards mutually beneficial solutions, and I hope to make the case in this essay for why I think this pamphlet undermines that goal.
Guiding my thoughts in this analysis will be two refrains:
Fear may be a habit, but so is anger. Each time you want to act impulsively and lash out, it becomes a little easier to lose control. My goal in this essay is careful, controlled reasoning.
Courage may a habit, and so is restraint. When we take time to reflect and cool down before responding, it becomes a little easier next time to avoid escalating conflicts and find more constructive solutions. My goal in this essay is to be reflective, seeking to understand the perspective of both sides before making a judgment.
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