Caregiver, not helper. This is my linguistic choice, as I believe words matter. Our beloved caregiver turned 40, and mused over dinner: “Why do you think people look down on us titas?” Because of racism, classism and discrimination, in my opinion. One set of rules for poor brown migrant workers, and another set of rules for everyone else in Hong Kong. Words matter. If we referred to caregivers as “home managers”, their role would be perceived differently. Caregivers don’t “help”, they perform tasks for which they were trained. When my mother washes the dishes for me, she is helping. When a caregiver practises her paid profession, she is working. Work is not help. Work is empowering, remunerative, and is covered by labour laws and policy. Work demands respect and professionalism. Help is something someone voluntarily gives, out of the kindness of their heart. Caregivers certainly aren’t leaving their infants and children for years at a time to care for ours, out of just the kindness of their hearts. Caregivers may be faced with extremely difficult choices, and their struggles should not be dressed up as a servile desire to help wealthier families, so that we who benefit can feel less encumbered by the immense sacrifices they have made. Thus, I propose a shift in common terminology. Caregivers: individuals who give care to our children and the elderly, who care for our homes in our absence, who care for us privileged adults. Caregiver, not “helper”. Heather Lin, Wan Chai