Yesterday we told you about the Associated Press Stylebook’s tweet on avoiding “dehumanizing ‘the’ labels.” The AP ended up deleting this:
We recommend avoiding general and often dehumanizing “the” labels such as the poor, the mentally ill, the French, the disabled, the college-educated. Instead, use wording such as people with mental illnesses. And use these descriptions only when clearly relevant.
The AP ended up getting rid of that tweet. Why? Here’s the explanation:
Lmfaoooo https://t.co/EhzZ2forsO pic.twitter.com/fIK4yycP8C
— Damin Toell (@damintoell) January 27, 2023
You can’t make this stuff up:
The use of “the French” in this tweet by @AP was inappropriate and has caused unintended offense. An updated tweet is upcoming.
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 27, 2023
The term “‘The’ media” can also be pretty offensive.
Shouldn't you just be "Associated Press" now, without the "The?"
— 🎙 Tommie Lee MNC (@heytommie) January 27, 2023
They deleted the tweet 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣💀https://t.co/qdc4PxkNkZ
— Natalie F Danelishen (@Chesschick01) January 27, 2023
"offense" would have been dignified. "all-out mockery", on the other hand, is totally humiliating. https://t.co/ul4HePXmjc
— Sour Patch Lyds 👎🏻🇺🇦 (@sourpatchlyds) January 27, 2023
Oh, and here’s the “updated” version:
We recommend avoiding general and often dehumanizing “the” labels such as the poor, the mentally ill, the disabled, the college-educated. Instead, use wording such as people with mental illnesses. And use these descriptions only when clearly relevant.
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 27, 2023
At least “the French” won’t be offended this time. Others, maybe not so much:
The AP has apparently offended The French, but nothing yet from The Poor, The Mentally Ill, The Disabled, or The College-Educated. https://t.co/hGxvP403yg pic.twitter.com/b5D2Ngm4x4
— Byron York (@ByronYork) January 27, 2023
Where is this all headed?
To truly ensure no one is offended we need to stop using words altogether https://t.co/hUyhIwXLx8
— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) January 27, 2023
Coming soon to an AP Stylebook feed near you!
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Related:
Associated Press reports that NBC News reporter’s interview with John Fetterman ‘draws criticism’
Here’s why the Associated Press described President Biden as a ‘gearhead’
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