Perspective: Why the Aromantic community should consider replacing "Aromantic-ism" with "Aromantic-ity"
From the AUREA News Team: Last October, community member, João, shared feedback with AUREA regarding use of the term ‘aromanticism’ versus 'aromaticity’, used more commonly in the Portuguese-speaking aromantic community. Many of our team members did not know that the term ‘aromanticity’ existed! As we believe this may also be the case for the wider English-speaking aromantic community, we invited João to expand on the perspective that ‘aromanticity’ may be a more suitable term. We received this thoughtful reply and wanted to share it (with permission) with you. Your reflections are welcome in the comment space below.
Written by: João Words: 350
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Why the Aromantic community should consider replacing 'Aromantic-ism' for 'Aromantic-ity'
The term “aromanticism” is widely used within the aromantic community, however, there are reasons to reconsider the use of this word as per its suffix and consider adopting "aromanticity". This shift is not merely a linguistic choice; it carries social and cultural implications that impact how aromantic people are perceived and understood.
The negative connotation of the suffix "-ism"
The suffix -ism historically carries connotations of condition, ideology, or even pathology. The same way "homosexualism" was once used with pathologizing undertones, reinforcing stigma and prejudice and later replaced by "homosexuality" to avoid such associations, the same argument applies to "aromanticism".
In Brazil, the preferred term is "arromanticidade", as "arromantismo" would carry the same stigmatizing connotations. This linguistic choice reflects the need to dissociate identity orientations from notions of pathology or ideology.
The neutrality of "Aromanticity"
The suffix -ity conveys a state of being or characteristic, as seen in words like "identity" and "diversity". By using "aromanticity", it emphasizes the intrinsic and neutral nature of being aromantic, focusing on the individual experience without ideological or pathological connotations. This change would also align the a-spec terminology, where "asexuality" is already in use instead of "asexualism", normalizing discussions about romantic diversity.
The impact on social perception
Words shape perceptions. By adopting "aromanticity" we help reduce prejudice and stigma, promoting a more accurate and respectful understanding of aromantic identities. This shift benefits the community while also educating the broader public, helping to dismantle stereotypes and allowing romantic orientation to be recognized.
An invitation to reflect
Language is a living science, it evolves as our understanding and respect for human diversity expand. Just as "homosexuality" replaced "homosexualism", and "asexualism" would clearly sound off, it is time to consider the transition from "aromanticism" to "aromanticity".
By adopting a term that more accurately describes the experience of being aromantic, we foster a more inclusive and stigma-free space.
This change has already begun in some countries, like Brazil, where "arromanticidade" is more commonly used. Here's an invitation for the global aromantic community to reflect on this linguistic evolution.