About this episode
This week we take a close look at how the words we choose can unknowingly condemn people caught up in the criminal justice system. Plus, the costs and complications of working as a journalist while incarcerated. And, the overlooked, self-trained women journalists of the Vietnam War. 1. Brooke tracks the evolution of language in the early days of Biden's presidency. Listen . 2. Akiba Solomon [ @akibasolomon ], senior editor at The Marshall Project, explains how terms like "inmate" and "offender" can distract, dehumanize, and mislead, and why "people-first" language is more appropriate for journalists. Listen . 3. John J. Lennon [ @johnjlennon1 ], contributing writer at The Marshall Project and contributing editor Esquire , tells us what it's like to read and report the news while inside prison. Listen . 4. Elizabeth Becker , author of You Don't Belong Here , on how women journalists covered the Vietnam War in groundbreaking ways, and yet were forgotten by history. Listen . Music from this week's show: Tilliboyo (“Sunset”) — Kronos Quartet Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered — Brad Mehldau The Butterfly — The Bothy Band Clonycavan Man — Gerry O’Beirne John’s Book Of Alleged Dances — Kronos Quartet Carmen Fantasy — Anderson & Row On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today ( https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm ). Follow our show on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.