COLORLINES - Drop the I-Word

by Mónica Novoa, Angy Rivera on May 11 2012, 9:01AM

One young undocumented activists is tired of politicians talking about the “poor choices” of immigrant parents. So she gave her mom a chance to set the record straight.

Topics: Drop the I-Word

The Supreme Court and Dangerous Immigration Metaphors

by Mónica Novoa on April 27 2012, 12:15PM

Referring to people with as “illegals” is equivalent to referring to defendants awaiting trial as “convicted criminals.”

Topics: Arizona's SB 1070, Drop the I-Word

Young Undocumented Activists Stand Up for Their Parents’ Dreams

by Mónica Novoa on April 5 2012, 9:27AM

When it comes to the DREAM Act, it’s been far too easy for some politicians to play the parent blame game. But activists refuse to throw their parents under the bus. We talked to both young people and their parents about their visions of justice.

Topics: Drop the I-Word, Immigration

The Horrific Death of Shaima Alawadi and the Many Lessons of Hate

by Mónica Novoa on March 30 2012, 9:53AM

The brutal slaying of a young Iraqi mother proves that hate language isn’t just about hurt feelings.

Topics: Drop the I-Word

The Plight of Transnational Women and How You Can Help Them

by Mónica Novoa on March 27 2012, 10:58AM

Monica Novoa speaks with Leilani Montes, a transnational mujer who celebrates and weaves the roles of organizer and advocate across her professional, activist and personal life.

Topics: Drop the I-Word, Gender & Sexuality, Immigration

Poll: Half of Latino Voters Think the I-Word Is Offensive

by Mónica Novoa on March 12 2012, 2:24PM

Nearly 50 percent of Latinos who participated in a recent study thought the phrase “illegal immigrant” was offensive. So why do trusted media outlets continue to use it?

Topics: Drop the I-Word

New York Times Offers Apology for Playing Games With People’s Lives

by Mónica Novoa on February 21 2012, 9:55AM

But we need to do more to hold media accountable for its depictions of immigrants.

Topics: Drop the I-Word

Here Are Easy Ways to Have Tough Talks With Kids About Race

by Mónica Novoa on February 20 2012, 9:28AM

While we may think that we’re protecting kids by not talking to them about race, silence actually does more harm than good. Here’s what one expert says about how to meaningfully talk to kids about racial justice.

Topics: Drop the I-Word

Is the New York Times Playing Games With People’s Lives?

by Mónica Novoa on February 17 2012, 9:52AM

The New York Times uses the i-word as the answer to a crossword clue. Help us reach out to demand a retraction.

Topics: Drop the I-Word

If You Care About Immigrant Rights, Learn Black America’s History Too

by Rinku Sen on February 3 2012, 9:43AM

This month, our Drop the I-Word campaign is urging immigrants and their advocates to join a virtual book club discussing Isabel Wilkerson’s “The Warmth of Other Suns.”

Topics: Drop the I-Word, Rinku Sen

Charlotte’s First Baby of 2012 Sparks Anti-Latino Hate. It’s Time to Drop the I-Word!

by Mónica Novoa on January 24 2012, 8:52AM

Some readers in Charlotte were outraged when the paper announced that the city’s first baby was Latino. The vitriolic hate that followed is another stirring example of why it’s important to Drop the I Word.

Topics: Drop the I-Word

How Immigrants Forced Media to Treat Them Like Humans in 2011

by Mónica Novoa on December 20 2011, 9:45AM

This year we gained valuable allies in our fight to add humane language into the discourse on immigration. But there’s much more to come in 2012.

Topics: 2012: What's Ahead?, Drop the I-Word

American Heritage Editor on ‘Anchor Baby’ Definition: ‘We Were Wrong’

by Mónica Novoa on December 7 2011, 11:17AM

Monica Novoa sits down with American Heritage Dictionary’s Executive Editor Steve Kleinedler to discuss the why and how they chose to define one of today’s most hot-button slurs.

Topics: Drop the I-Word, Immigration

Beyond Politics: How Undocumented Youth Can Find Emotional Support

by Mónica Novoa on December 2 2011, 11:30AM

The recent suicide of an undocumented teenager in Texas has shed new light on the unique emotional challenges that face thousands of young people in the U.S.

Topics: Drop the I-Word

Tell the Charlotte Observer to Drop the I Word

by Mónica Novoa on November 30 2011, 10:00AM

Young Latino activists in Charlotte are leading the charge to get the city’s leading paper to stop its use of racially charged language. Here’s how you can help.

Topics: Drop the I-Word

Tell the Associated Press to Drop the I-Word

by S. Leigh Thompson on November 11 2011, 12:32PM

The Associated Press is looking ahead to the 2012 edition of the AP Stylebook and would like to hear from readers. Deadline for submissions is Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Topics: Drop the I-Word

The Associated Press Updates Its Stylebook, Still Clings to I-Word

by Mónica Novoa on November 10 2011, 10:15AM

AP editors insist that the word is accurate, even though it dehumanizes immigrants. Make your voice heard in time for the 2012 edition.

Topics: Drop the I-Word