Amidst a backdrop of escalating crime and a burgeoning homeless population, the city of Portland, Oregon, is implementing a shift in its official language. City employees are now encouraged to adopt a "culturally conscious" vocabulary, as outlined in the Inclusive Writing Guide released by the Office of Equity and Human Rights in June. This initiative aims to replace terms deemed outdated or potentially exclusionary.

The guide suggests substantial changes to language related to gender, race, and citizenship. For instance, "pregnant women" is to be replaced with "pregnant people," while terms like "women's health rights" are to be replaced with "reproductive rights." Similarly, "feminine hygiene products" are now "menstrual products" or "period products," and "breastfeeding" is to be referred to as "chest feeding."

The guide also encourages the use of "they/them" pronouns and specifies the capitalization of "Black" as an adjective in racial, ethnic, or cultural contexts, while "white" should remain lowercase when referencing race. The term "Caucasian" is discouraged entirely, described as reinforcing existing power structures. Even seemingly innocuous terms like "manhole" are targeted, with "maintenance hole" offered as a gender-neutral alternative. Furthermore, the word "citizen" is deemed not inclusive enough for official use.

This linguistic shift comes as Portland grapples with significant societal challenges. Residents express growing concerns about escalating crime and the pervasive presence of drug use. Recent census data reveals a 4% population decline, while Mayor Ted Wheeler’s office reports a staggering 50% surge in homelessness between 2019 and 2022. Residents like Cobalt Kaiser, a relative newcomer to the city, point to the stark realities of open drug use and the struggles of the unhoused population as daily occurrences.

The city's focus on inclusive language unfolds against a backdrop of increasing social and economic difficulties, leaving some residents questioning the priorities of their local government.