Photo Credit: Samuil_Levich
Feminist author Rosalie Maggio once said, “Language both reflects and shapes society. Culture shapes language and then language shapes culture.” The words we use to talk to and about each other directly influence how we perceive and handle the problems in our world. When terms and phrases are misused, particularly when discussing matters of abuse, we unknowingly cause harm. In the past, we’ve discussed how language shapes public and organizational understanding of sexual assault and the toxicity of the “good guy” defense. This week, we’re examining the misuse of the term “bad apples” and how that contributes to the damaging idea that systems do not need to be held accountable alongside perpetrators.
In cases of workplace physical and sexual abuse, some media outlets will say that the perpetrators were a few “bad apples” that in no way reflect their broader organizational environment. The argument they mean to express is that these “bad apples” are unpredictable anomalies and that systemic reforms are unnecessary for something so abnormal. However, the origin of the “bad apple” term argues the opposite. The complete proverb is, “one bad apple spoils the whole barrel.” In other words, harm-doers negatively impact and represent the group at large. Rot spreads unless we put forth the effort to remove it and create a healthier environment for all.
You might ask, “What difference does this make? I hear this phrase all the time.” It matters because the language we use guides how we process, communicate, and handle workplace abuses. Below are some of the consequences of misusing the “bad apple” term.
It Minimizes the Severity of the Abuse
Survivors of workplace abuse look to leadership to feel seen and understood after their victimization. Referring to their abuser as a “bad apple” is dismissive, minimizes the issue at hand, and implies their abuse was a stroke of bad luck rather than something preventable.
It Erases Context and Power Dynamics
Every single story of abuse must be considered in context. This means assessing power dynamics, available safeguards and resources to those vulnerable to abuse, and history of abuse committed by the perpetrator or within their setting. When abusers are seen as rare “bad apples” it denies everything we know about physical and sexual violence, the circumstances in which it happens, and the collective responsibility to reflect and grow after these abuses take place.
It Deflects Organizational Responsibility
Mostly, the “bad apple” phrase serves to deflect organizational responsibility. It’s a phrase that is invoked to comfort those avoiding ugly truths in the name of protecting the status quo. It blames individuals, not systems, for abuses. This unintentionally leaves room for future harm by discouraging self-examination needed to identify vulnerabilities and toxic work behaviors that compromise employee safety. Training gaps, reporting barriers, dismissive or hostile leadership culture, and accountability failures are just some of the areas that earnest reflection and investigation can identify. Once identified, organizations can address the issue and consequently prioritize the health and well-being of current and future employees. It’s system-wide reform, not just individual accountability, that makes true healing possible.
Language is constantly evolving and, as such, so does our understanding of rape culture, sexual and physical violence prevention, and corporate accountability. Throughout this year, we hope to see everyone in public-facing communications and media roles look critically at the words and phrases they use and how survivors might interpret them.
From language use to trauma-informed practices, RALIANCE would be proud to meet clients where they are to help them meet the occasion and truly reflect their values of mutual safety and respect. Together, we can make all our conversations trauma-informed and truly meaningful.
RALIANCE is a trusted adviser for organizations committed to building cultures that are safe, equitable, and respectful. RALIANCE offers unparalleled expertise in serving survivors of sexual harassment, misconduct, and abuse which drives our mission to help organizations across sectors create inclusive environments for all. For more information, please visit www.RALIANCE.org.