When people say things like "Behold the Accursed One!" that doesn't imply any ill intent on their part -- quite often it's meant as a neutral or even helpful statement. But the problem with this sort of language is that, however well-intentioned it may be, it foregrounds the curse at the expense of the person behind it; auguries have shown that this can have a priming effect that subtly reduces empathy. For that reason, experts today encourage people to use one-first language, such as "Behold the One who Bears the Curse," to better emphasize the dignity of the individual.

















