Here’s some big news we missed on New Year’s Day: the New York Times’ crossword puzzle editor tweeted one of those “I’m sorry if you were offended” apologies for the “distraction” caused by a puzzle answer.
A response from Will Shortz about the entry 2D in today's crossword puzzle. #NYTXW pic.twitter.com/WEF1MCw0AP
— NYTimes Wordplay (@NYTimesWordplay) January 1, 2019
“Distracted by side issues?” And he even said it was a “fine” puzzle — just like when Trump said there were fine Nazis in Charlottesville! And this guy is the word police of the puzzle section. Get him!
Yesterday's firestorm over the NYT crossword and Will Shortz's pseudo-apology has started making the news rounds outside the NYT. The Wrap has an item here (but what's with the scare quotes over the word "Slur" in their title?): https://t.co/AJLox4aGrs #NYTXW
— Evan Birnholz (@evanbirnholz) January 2, 2019
Wait, did they “research the puzzle” and hear from Jeff *before* they published it? And then went ahead and published it anyway? If so, “rarified circles” doesn’t really excuse anything. And if not, this is yet another reason to diversify the staff.
— Elizabeth White (@addieloggins) January 1, 2019
Count me among those who think if a word is easily identified as a slur, don't use it even if there's "legitimate" definitions. I vote you rethink this opinion strongly.
— Matt (@flamingbear) January 1, 2019
As a Latino, count me in as one who thinks not using the word as it was intended gives more power to the slur.
— Santos L. Halper (@Cromulentness) January 2, 2019
It's not a good look for the NYTimes when someone points out an obviously offensive puzzle answer prior to publication and the editor's reaction is, "Meh. I've never been offended by that word, so I'll let the answer stand." I think you guys can do better.
— James McEvoy (@mcjim311) January 1, 2019
Yeah, no.
— George Stankow (@stankow) January 1, 2019
You know, it’s better to apologize and say you made a mistake than to try to explain away your mistake.
— medusa ?? (@chicspace) January 2, 2019
Once is an unfortunate coincidence. Twice is the editor asleep at the wheel while the contributor plays them for fools. Three times is the editor being fully aware of what the contributor is doing.
— Jorge APB (@ZefMex) January 2, 2019
Isn't it a troubling admission of lack of diversity that your "rarified" circle ignore such a slur? Have you realized that this would not happen if you have a diverse group)
— Harry (@htenenbaum) January 2, 2019
earlier in 2018, several followers of the crossword asked will shortz to account for his use of the word “soul sister,” which invoked racist overtones and shortz used the same set of excuses. it demonstrates a pattern of behavior and, at best, a willful ignorance. not acceptable.
— christian svanes kolding (@cskolding) January 2, 2019
It’s NEVER a good idea to include ethnic slurs in the puzzle even if those words have an “acceptable” meaning. We cannot continue to look the other way.
— Diane Starke (@jarpstar) January 2, 2019
I don't think a benign meaning of a word which also has an offensive meaning is fair game for a crossword. It is hurtful and causes unnecessary pain.
— dailyplanner (@pizzafruittart) January 2, 2019
Registering as another solver who was bothered and finds the "apology" lacking
— Matt King (@ElReyColorado) January 2, 2019
Wow. "I apologize if anyone was offended…and I'd do it all over again!" is…one way to go, I suppose. A lame and embarrassing way to go, but you do you, Will.
— Jim Powers (@JDKaPow) January 2, 2019
Chiming in since you’re counting if “enough” solvers are bothered. If it’s even QUESTIONABLE why wouldn’t you just choose a different word? #NYTXW
— David Larsen (@davideriklarsen) January 2, 2019
I really hope he does listen and rethink his willfully ignorant opinion. F*GGOT can “benignly” refer to a bundle of sticks, but would he ever really allow that in a grid? According to his response, he would – which is crazy.
— naytnaytnayt ?️? (@naytnaytnayt) January 1, 2019
how many solvers is "enough" to stop putting in these kinds of words, though? at what point is the decision made that this kind of offensive language has finally been offensive enough and shouldn't be used? it seems like the threshold for this is far, far too high right now
— anna (@actual_anna) January 1, 2019
Translation: "I don't care what have to say, and I'll continue to giggle and approve these as the contributor slips slurs under the pretense of 'legitimate meanings'."
— Jorge APB (@ZefMex) January 2, 2019
If Mr. Shortz is claiming ignorance about an unfortunately common slur, he needs to employ people who are a little more up on these things. Inexcusable. If TURD and ENEMA don’t meet the standards of taste, why should a slur?!?
— Malia Jackson (@rhymeswithmaria) January 1, 2019
I have NEVER heard beaner used in any way other than as a slur. Period. And I read a lot, and I listen a lot. If Shortz et al haven't heard it used this way, where the hell have they been? Wasn't aware of air rarified enough to have insulated them from "beaner."
— Carmen Wisdom (@CarmenWisdom) January 2, 2019
I'm "bothered" that you (WS) were told this would cause serious offense to some people and decided to move ahead anyway. Please add me to your count of people that will be enough to exercise some moral judgement.
— Fritz cats (@sammyandbiscuit) January 2, 2019
“Distracted by the side issue”?! This coming from a product that exists to vilify those who disagree with it. If a conservative publication used this word, we wouldn’t hear the end of it from @nytimes. Hypocrites.
— Brendan (@BrendanRMackay) January 2, 2019
Congrats on having racists make your crosswords.
— Pumpdick Fisto (@Jerry_The_Liar) January 2, 2019
All slurs start as benign. Their use AS a slur by those with power gives them strength.
Will, you and the NYTimes have power. Don’t use slurs. Full stop. Hire some goddamn sensitivity readers to make you a list if you’re so clueless.
— Heron Greenesmith, Esq. (@herong) January 1, 2019
My opinion of Mr. Shortz has plummeted the last couple years because of his white male privilege. “Rarefied circles” my ass. Use a dictionary. pic.twitter.com/0fk7QNlMEB
— Destiny's Stepchild (@KCCT) January 2, 2019
Maybe next time a person of color gives you the heads up that a word is a slur you will listen.
— State Your Name (@exubesq) January 1, 2019
Just a heads up. The editors are not on Twitter. If you want your thoughts heard, drop a note to the address in my bio.
— NYTimes Wordplay (@NYTimesWordplay) January 1, 2019
This country has become filled with weak, over sensitive whiners. By these standards, we better start removing many words from our daily use. I DEMAND the word “cracker” be removed from any future puzzles and the snack renamed, as I am offended as a white man. ? #whiners
— Chris (@Cjc8101) January 2, 2019
Join the conversation as a VIP Member