By Katrina Bostick Language is a powerful tool that shapes our perceptions, influences our thoughts, and ultimately impacts our actions. Among the myriad terms that pepper our daily conversations, political debates, and media narratives, “affordable housing” stands out as a buzzword with significant societal implications. While intended to address a critical issue, the term can also contribute to an “us versus them” mentality, highlighting how language can be used to perpetuate division and segregation.