Perceptions: people first language

Within today's society it is clear that language, our words that we speak about ourselves and others, bring both power and priviledge. Language, words spoken about or towards a person or persons, affects everyone's perceptions about the subject. If the words create positive perceptions of people or an organization, then that causes the subject to become empowered. In the same sense, if  the words that are spoken create negative perceptions of the subject, that can cause belittle the subject. To me, this is key within the world of so many different people. If we as a society can add or take power so easily, simply by our word choices, we need to watch and think of others before we fill the world with negative and degrading meaning. With respect to the power that can be easily created, privilege is close behind. People with power are given privileges, people with privileges are granted power. This is another key reason for why we need to handle everyone in this world with respect, empowering them, not allowing one person or group to have more power or privilege than the next. My own personal commitment to using people first language, language that empowers people and not spreading negative perceptions of others, is to be aware of those around me, seeing them as equal if not more than I see myself. I do not know their stories, I do not know their thoughts. So, why not respect them with my body language, actions, and words.