Why SAYIT?

SAYIT Insta Post SAY IT illustrated

SayIt wants to make experiences of discrimination visible .

To this end, we publish descriptions of situations and quotes submitted by you.

These are real quotes from our racist, heterosexist, ableist world.

Our aim is to make the permanent burden of everyday discrimination visible.

Our aim is not to use extreme examples to prove that discrimination exists.

Nevertheless, by publishing the quotes, we reproduce discriminatory situations and misanthropic language.

In some places, we censor or change the descriptions sent in.

This is partly because it is important to us not to use other people's names for people affected by discrimination.


What is meant by external designation or self-description?

SAYIT INSTA Post: External designation vs. self-description graphically illustrated.

Foreign designations construct "the others" in contrast to the dominant group and thus create discrimination. The dominant group remains invisible.

The Rolling Eyes Collective writes in the foreword to the 4th edition of their glossary:

"People with different experiences of discrimination have begun to raise their voices, reject other-designations and formulate self-descriptions. The integration of these words, terms and self-descriptions into one's own vocabulary enables a better perception of the realities of fellow human beings who experience discrimination. It is therefore worth listening, engaging in conversation, asking questions and learning new words that allow for more attentive, loving and intelligent interaction."

We have compiled an (incomplete) list of helpful resources on the topic of discrimination-sensitive language for you here. Feel free to write to us for additions.