Don’t Read this Essay. It is Overflowing With Banned Words

Ignorance is strength!

In this Orwellian era of “alternative facts” and “fake news,” the current Oceania administration seeks to normalize and legitimize newspeak. It provides federal agencies with a list of undesirable words that need to be struck from our vocabulary, lest they lead to crimethink.

Ideological purity trumps academic rigor. If we wish to preserve our own lives, we must participate in the subversive act of old-speak. 

How relevant are the words found in the scriptures: “They plot injustice and say, ‘We have devised a perfect [Project 2025] plan!’” (Psalm 64:6). Because of this word list, “truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter” (Isaiah 59:14).

 As a Latinx–an immigrant from one of the islands in the Gulf of Mexico, I, a member of a Hispanic minority, am proud of my allyship with diverse communities, specifically vulnerable populations, whether they are Black, Native American, or part of any global indigenous community. In short, BIPOC people.

Because my identity is important to me, it will not be silenced. With the psalmist: “I will declare my inequity” (38:18). 

I will celebrate my ethnicity, call for equal opportunity, and fight for an all-inclusive society geared toward curing racial inequality. The goal is community equity through community diversity.

Cultural sensitivity respects multiculturalism and cultural differences while celebrating cultural heritage without culturally appropriating. Hence, I believe in being an antiracist, an activist engaged in fostering inclusivity through inclusive leadership. 

The historically based lack of racial justice due to segregation and economic barriers, which reinforced racism based on offensive stereotypes, has been systemic for far too long. Jesús said it best: “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil” (Luke 6:22). 

Simply stated, I strive to promote diversity and to understand the importance of DEI, DEIA (accessibility), DEIAB (belonging), and DEIJ (justice). I believe we are all enriched when all the fruits society offers are accessible to everyone. 

As a biologically male–assigned male at birth–I believe in feminism; thus, I stand in solidarity with women, those assigned female at birth or are biologically female, against gender-based violence (GBV) and in favor of gender-affirming care. 

Not only do I stand with women and the underrepresented, but as a heterosexual male, I also support those with a different sexual preference than me, men who have sex with men, those who embrace a different orientation or are nonbinary, those who are trans, transgender, or transsexual. Gender diversity is a gift. “How beautiful is your expression of love” (Song of Solomon 4:10).

I strive to use the pronouns people choose for themselves because it is their first step in self-naming and self-liberation. This is not advocating some gender ideology. 

It is being a decent human being who respects other’s choices. Despite the trauma faced by my LGBTQ siblings, I am reminded of the words of St. Paul: “…how much greater riches will [your] full inclusion bring!” (Romans 11:12).

We are a more competent society when diverse groups with diverse backgrounds equally participate. How true are the words of scripture: “You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness” (First Thessalonians 5:5). We are a more ignorant society belonging to the night when white supremacy rules through polarization, best illustrated by this current political administration. 

But why this struggle for liberation? With Job, I wonder, “Why do I put myself at risk?” (13:4). 

With Job, I realize “people cry out under a load of oppression; they plead for relief from the arm of the powerful” (35:9). I have no choice but to stand in solidarity because it defines my faith, but more importantly, it defines my humanity. 

All who are underrepresented, undervalued, underappreciated, and underserved “have special gifts which differ in accordance with the diversified work graciously entrusted to us” (Romans 12:6).

I may be among the marginalized, but I can also hear the earth’s cry, which is experiencing a climate crisis. Because I believe in climate science, I advocate for clean energy to ensure an environmental quality that supports all life and is free of species-threatening pollution.

Because I believe in “a faithful God, without bias, who is righteous and true” (Deuteronomy 32:4), I believe in a God concerned with people-centered care, who demands the intersectional work of social justice from us.

Forbidden word lists indicate that Big Brother and his Party lack cultural competence—“Have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (James 2:4). They seek to vaporize race and ethnicity, making us unperson.

They do not realize that increasing the diversity of our society benefits all. Unfortunately, the dominant culture is taught to doublethink by blaming those they consider their inferiors while aspiring to join the ranks of the billionaire class. 

When I think of the billionaire running the Ministry of Plenty (DOGE), I find the words of St Paul ringing true: “For as you eat, many of you proceed with your own meal to the exclusion of others” (First Corinthians 11:21). These billionaires for whom society functions forget the disparity faced by the least of these, they ignore that “the goal is equality, for right now [they] have plenty and can help those who are in need” (Second Corinthians 8:14).

Their implicit bias is not solely geared toward minorities who experience socioeconomic struggles, but also health disparity. Because “they did not take care of the poor and the underprivileged” (Ezekiel 16:49), “their prejudices will be held against them” (Isaiah 3:9). 

Of course, they can be redeemed by the Good News of liberation. But their rejection of the least of these reveals an inward rejection of God (the first they/them due to the doctrine of trinity). “So then [God] will judge you people fairly, and your oppressed ones equitably” (Psalm 72:2). 

As for those who are victims of white supremacy’s institutional violence–take comfort. You may not be counted among the privileged; still, you have a human right to experience a sense of belonging.

Hate speech from the Ministry of Truth may be flourishing as dissent is quieted. Still, for those seeking to silence thoughtcrime by forbidding words, hear the affirming care found in the words of Jesús: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do” (Matthew 21:31).