Words, language, definitions, and framing all act as power conductors—they let in meaning, set boundaries, keep unwanted implications out, and generally empower or disempower. When we think about our choice and use of the phrase mental illness, for example, we have to stop ourselves and ask some questions. Who came up with this term and when? Was it a man? A scientist, pastor, plumber, farmer? What else was happening at the time the words were being employed? Was there slavery? Child marriage? Lobotomies?
