The Associated Press Stylebook recently deleted a Tweet which used the term “The French,” later apologizing and calling the reference “inappropriate” and “dehumanizing.”
The initial tweet recommended that journalists avoid using terms and labels that have the word “the” in front of them, arguing that it is “dehumanizing.” The examples provided included “the poor,” “the mentally ill,” and “the French.”
“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.”
@ApStylebook Tweet which was later deleted for referencing French people
The AP explained after deleting their Tweet that they “did not intend to offend” French people. “Writing French people, French citizens, etc., is good,” they said. “But ‘the’ terms for any people can sound dehumanizing and imply a monolith rather than diverse individuals.” The internet mocked the recommendation relentlessly, even prompting the French Embassy to make light of the AP’s guidance.
Following their apology, the AP Stylebook rewrote their initial tweet, explaining that referring to people using the word “the” is somehow offensive or dehumanizing — rather than simply pointing out the obvious: that people can belong to a group, and are not simply individuals.
Additionally, it is typically not grammatically recommended to use more words when fewer would be appropriate or get the desired point across.
The left manipulates language with no regard for what is correct or even logical, with the simple purpose to claim higher morality and virtue signal to the esteemed “victim groups.” Beyond all reason, progressives will continue to change language and the meaning of words, creating an ever-increasing divide between citizens who can no longer communicate or understand one another.
The only glimmer of hope was the internet’s hilarious response, in which many called out the AP for being so unbelievably ridiculous in their most recent recommendations.
