Zeros and ones

Shared cultural language can be a boon to movements for change—and a barrier to seeing that change happen.

Bumperstickers and banners establish shared credentials, show us who we can trust, tell us who’s on the inside of the movement. But they’re also off-putting to those who don’t share that language, and can antagonize those whom we need to make the change happen.

Real change leaders see people as more than zeros or ones, because everyone changes at different speeds. People are not two-dimensional, and the more we can create space for growth, the more space we have for new allies.

As people join the inner circle, we can help them understand why language is important. Until then, we have to meet them where they are at.