Word List: Tier 3

Definition

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Related Terms

• None

Recommendation

Recommended to replace.

Recommended Replacements

• Do not use in phrases such as **bottom of the totem pole** or **low man on the totem pole**. Use more specific terms that are appropriate to the context in which this phrase may be referred.

Unsuitable Replacements

• N/A

Rationale

A totem pole is a sacred object in Indigenous communities and the bottom of the totem pole has a specific symbolic meaning. Additionally, describing someone or something as bottom or low man implies that they are somehow inferior – which not only dishonors the symbolic meaning but is inaccurate.

“Low man on the totem pole” is a good example here where there isn’t a great alternative, because we’re using generalized qualitative opinions about place in the hierarchy to infer capability or effectiveness. In this case, rather than identifying a replacement term, we need to encourage the user to utilize more specific language to get their point across.

Some examples:

• “I can’t make a sale with this person because he’s a low man on the totem pole” –> “I can’t make a sale with this person because they cannot make buying decisions.”

• “The low man on the totem pole is the one who gets all the grunt work.” –> “More junior team members are assigned more tedious, repetitive tasks.”

Term Status

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Supporting Content

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