Most people will never have a reason to consult the Associated Press Stylebook, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be influenced by it: plenty of reporters follow its guidance, and that filter through to what appears in print and online every day.
Though the AP often says it’s just following the direction the language is taking, politics obviously plays a role. In 2013 the AP dropped “illegal immigrant” from its Stylebook and adopted a more nuanced and CAIR-approved definition of “Islamist.”
This year, the AP is taking some baby steps toward contemporary sexuality and gender by adding Q to LGBT and allowing the use of “they” as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun to take the place of the binary “he or she.”
The AP Stylebook now includes "they" as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun:https://t.co/eAaBzqOgQT pic.twitter.com/lujCCJPjWe
— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 28, 2017
AP allows for use of singular 'they'. Bans 'he' as gender neutral.
Language evolves. Here, in the right direction. Makes me so happy. https://t.co/CGeOychvEL
— Jen Simmons (@jensimmons) March 26, 2017
The AP is getting credit for being kind of woke, but it acknowledges that a lot of people use “they” anyway because it’s less awkward than “he or she,” and it also stops short of adopting pronouns like “xe” or “ze.”
Recommended
AP accepting they as a singular pronoun "in limited cases" is a change in the right direction but isn't enough https://t.co/vddXqbbwiI
— steph grimes (@stephgrimes) March 24, 2017
The stylebook is always way behind popular usage, but the guidance should be based on the personal preference of ?? each ?? person ??
— steph grimes (@stephgrimes) March 24, 2017
I don't understand why this is such a difficult concept for people
— steph grimes (@stephgrimes) March 24, 2017
Blame the AP for brainwashing the public for so long with gender binary terms like he and she.
this crap is f'n ridiculous
— Blue devil 4 ever (@Bluedevil4evr) March 28, 2017
* * *
Related:
‘Officially lost his mind’! Bill de Blasio’s ‘gender pronoun’ edict ‘the ultimate shakedown’ of NYC businesses https://t.co/kADUIRHsGs
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) May 18, 2016
Join the conversation as a VIP Member