In today’s rapidly evolving social media landscape, the adoption of new language can occur swiftly and widely, often without thorough consideration of its implications. This trend may lead to the uncritical use of terms that could be insensitive or problematic. Sanewashing, a term gaining traction in contemporary discourse, describes the act of minimizing or rationalizing the radical aspects of a person’s words, ideas, or actions to portray them as more conventional or reasonable. Typically, the subject of “sanewashing” is a public figure.
Sanewashing
Sanewashing is akin to gaslighting, as described by Stephanie Wijkstrom, MS, LPC, CEO and Founder of Counselling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh. It is a tactic historically known as propaganda, aimed at manipulating how the public perceives certain events.
Sportswashing
Sportswashing is a term used when sports are utilized to divert attention from or conceal human rights violations. An example of this is evident in the 2022 World Cup.
What’s the Issue with Using “Sanewashing”?
So, why is using the term sanewashing problematic? While those who use it may have good intentions and aim to uphold their beliefs, the term is problematic for a few reasons.
Essentially, using the term casually and awkwardly brings mental health into discussions where it may not be relevant, inadvertently creating stigma around individuals with mental health challenges.
By framing certain behaviors or words within the binary of sane versus insane, it forces individuals into categories based on their agreement or disagreement, perpetuating a harmful dichotomy. Labelling individuals as crazy or insane because of their beliefs or actions is not a sensitive way to address mental health concerns.
Typically, when the term sanewashing is used, the issue at hand does not actually pertain to sanity or insanity by clinical mental health standards, such as those outlined in The DSM.
While it is important to identify manipulation when it occurs, doing so in a stigmatizing manner can have negative repercussions rather than positive outcomes.
Sane Versus Insane
The criticism of sanewashing as a term includes concerns about its ableism, which is the discrimination or bias against individuals with disabilities. Activists and advocates argue that using words like “sane” and “insane” casually to describe actions unrelated to mental health perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
Words associated with identity, such as sexual orientation, have historically been misused to label negative or objectionable things, and sanewashing can be seen as falling into this problematic trend.
While terms like sanewashing can highlight biases in the media, it is crucial to remember that using such terms without sensitivity can reinforce mental health stigma.
Challenging the Misuse of Mental Health Labels
Expressing her concern, a therapist highlights the problem of attributing poor behavior solely to mental health disorders, emphasizing the presence of evil in the world. She emphasizes the importance of correctly labeling behaviors as either evil or stemming from a mental health issue.
The Concept of Sanewashing
Dr. Patricia Dixon explains the concept of sanewashing, likening it to brainwashing and gaslighting, where individuals are pressured to conform to a perceived norm. She cautions against using terms like ‘normal,’ as it varies from person to person. The notion of sanity also comes into question, raising concerns about potentially offensive implications.
According to Dixon, the careless use of terms like sanewashing can contradict the efforts of promoting good mental health care practices, highlighting the need for thoughtful language in the field.
How the Impact of ‘Sanewashing’ Extends to the Public
Regardless of the intended target, the term ‘sanewashing’ carries a message that is observed, absorbed, and shared by others. This can inadvertently make individuals with mental health issues feel singled out. According to Wijkstrom, the misuse of such terms can perpetuate the misconception that individuals with mental health issues are inherently violent or harmful.
Wijkstrom emphasizes that individuals with mental health diagnoses are not more likely to engage in criminal activities or harm others. In reality, they are more susceptible to being victimized by others. Using labels in a way that contradicts this truth only serves to reinforce stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Dixon suggests that the overwhelming nature of social media can make terms like sanewashing or gaslighting appealing due to a shift in thought processes. She recommends taking a break from social media and being mindful of the language used in all interactions.
Final Reflections
It is evident that words hold significant influence. However, terms like sanewashing can disproportionately impact those already facing mental health challenges. The contemporary media landscape, particularly social media, may not be conducive to subtlety, but employing terms accurately and precisely (or avoiding them altogether) can mitigate stigma and harm aimed at marginalized individuals, including those with mental health issues.
