1. On the ground
Someone once told me that this phrase exists to differentiate perspectives from ivory towers. But to me, it feels more commonly used as a lazy, somewhat self-righteous substitute for “parachuting into a developing nation.” I get countless pitches from writers who tell me they’re “on the ground in [insert country in Africa, Asia, or Latin America].” A question: When they return home, do they not walk on the ground?
Related, people talk about the research they are conducting “in the field.” Are they researching the growth patterns of organic wheat? Or the nighttime behaviors of field mice?
2. Empowerment
This is one of those words that has great intentions — who doesn’t want to, say, empower women? — but has lost its edge with overuse. It will also forever remind me of a photo I once saw taken by an NGO in rural India, in which several women gathered around a poster that said, “Thanks to [name redacted] workshop, we are EMPOWERED.”
First, I’m not sure the women in the photo read English. Second, empowerment isn’t like a light switch; it’s a long and messy process, and it certainly won’t be completed in a workshop.
3. Income-generating activity
Because for some reason poor people can’t just have a job. Also see “livelihood opportunities”.
4. Photos of children chasing after a jeep
There’s something about this particular photographic choice that, to me, reinforces the white saviour narrative.
5. Capacity building
For those of you who aren’t familiar with this cringe-worthy phrase, the World Health Organisation defines it as “the development and strengthening of human and institutional resources.” Whatever that means.
6. Global citizen
Ever noticed how most people who give themselves this epithet are white and citizens of countries with powerful passports? Until people begin referring to Syrian refugees as global citizens, we’re avoiding the term altogether.
7. Villages v towns
Several months ago, I received a draft that started with, “In towns across Europe and villages in Africa….” What distinguishes a town from a village? And why “across” Europe but “in” Africa? On a related note, I implore writers to think twice before using loaded terms like “tribe.”
8. Photos of Maasai warriors with cell phones
What a pithy way to convey the ways in which traditional cultures are adapting to the 21st century. #ict4d
9. Stories that focus more on the “do-gooder” than the actual work
I love profiles of impressive people who have effected tremendous social change. But I don’t love stories that serve as glorified hero worship, or that treat the worthiness of someone’s work as evidence of the work’s success.
10. Do-gooder
Let’s not turn powerful individuals who work on social change into teachers’ pets.
11. Do good and do well
Such a grammatically awkward way to talk about a for-profit organisation with a social mission.
12. Giving voice to the voiceless
Yes, one of the intentions of The Development Set is to publish underreported stories that will increase visibility of historically marginalised populations. But the word “voiceless” at best reminds me of Ariel in The Little Mermaid — and at worst, feels condescending.
13. Liaising with key local stakeholders
Jargon police here. As with most jargon, this can be solved through specificity. Instead of “stakeholder,” tell me who matters when a decision is being made. And when you say “liaise,” do you mean you’re having a conversation?
14. Silver bullet
There are none, and certainly not in the complicated world of social impact. I commit to never rhetorically asking in a headline whether an innovation is a silver bullet. The answer is no.
15. Stories in which black/brown people are used as flat, colourful characters
I’m reminded here of Binyavanga Wainaina’s essay in Granta, “How to Write about Africa”:
Among your characters you must always include The Starving African, who wanders the refugee camp nearly naked, and waits for the benevolence of the West. Her children have flies on their eyelids and pot bellies, and her breasts are flat and empty. She must look utterly helpless. She can have no past, no history; such diversions ruin the dramatic moment. Moans are good. She must never say anything about herself in the dialogue except to speak of her (unspeakable) suffering. Also be sure to include a warm and motherly woman who has a rolling laugh and who is concerned for your well-being. Just call her Mama.
On the other hand, too many “experts” quoted in health/development stories are dripping with privilege, especially compared to the quintessential Starving African. I implore writers to think about the people you’re choosing to interview for your stories, and the ways in which you plan to use them. You may also want to check the list of Aspen New Voices and Global Health Corps fellows for experts from Africa and Asia.
16. Beneficiaries
Wayan Vota has written about the inherent problems with this term: “The definition of the term “beneficiary” means a person who derives advantage from something, usually a will, trust or other financial instrument. The implication is that this recipient is a passive recipient of largesse. And somehow, we have adopted this term in development. That the people we are working with should be passive recipients of our financial gifts.”
17. Third world
This term originated during the Cold War to define countries that were neither aligned with NATO nor the Communist Bloc. It’s now used as shorthand for “non-industrialised” countries — though according to its definition, it also includes neutral countries like Switzerland. Like several of the other phrases in this list, “third world” also feels quite paternalistic.
But I’m not sure how to replace it. We typically use “developing country”, but recognise that there’s an increasingly false divide between “developed” and “developing” countries. I’ve had crystal-clear Skype connections in Tanzania and Thailand, while I’ve struggled with public transportation to New York City’s JFK airport. Other terms, like least developed countries and global south also have their pitfalls.
What’s the most cringe-inducing of this list? What phrase are you actually OK with? And did I miss any tropes or clichés?
This article was first published on The Development Set.
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