Updating Our Language - Day 10
“Peanut Gallery”
Before the use of microphones, balcony seats were the worst seats in a theater and typically where Black people were seated. The term "peanut gallery" became a nickname for these seats, in part due to the peanuts being served at the theatre that were rumored to be thrown at the performers on stage to convey patrons' disapproval.
Using this term by saying “no comments from the peanut gallery” or “quiet in the peanut gallery” reinforces the historic silencing of Black voices and speaking of them in a derogatory way.
Throughout July we will be making posts about updating our language.
We live in a society that has normalized using many words and phrases with racist origins.
Part of the anti-racist work involves acknowledging you have used them, beginning the process of eliminating them from your vocabulary, and gently correcting others when you hear them used.
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