I am always amazed at how many dictionary publishers change their definitions of words. The Associated Press Stylebook also updates its guidance regarding the usage of terminology when Democrats need help, are in trouble, or have lost their way.
For instance, we saw it back in September 2020 in the aftermath of the George Floyd riots, where the Associated Press urged media outlets to refrain from using the word “riot” to describe the Antifa/BLM-led rioting that was taking place in Democrat-run cities. The AP explained their rationale by proclaiming without evidence that “riots” had “been used in the past to stigmatize broad swaths of people.” They posted similar guidance that same year on the use of “looting” to describe looters.
A month later, Merriam-Webster conveniently altered the definition of the word “preference” on the same day Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono took issue with then-Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett’s use of the term “sexual preference” when talking about gay rights cases.
Two months after that, Dictionary.com altered their definition of “court-packing” to fall more in line with the Democrat talking points of the time after Republicans repeatedly condemned their calls to pack the Supreme Court. Dictionary.com was confronted over it. their responseThis was really illuminating.
“Language evolves. So do we.”
As far as “language evolving” goes, the Associated Press recently added their own language revision into the mix. Just a little over three months after urging reporters to incorporate the use of terms like “pregnant people” into their reporting on transgender “men” who have gotten pregnant, the AP has provided an update to that update, suggesting that media outlets use “pregnant women” or “women seeking abortions,” and to “not use overly clinical language like ‘people with uteruses’ or ‘birthing people’”:
Now, we have guidelines that say “pregnant woman” or “women who seek abortions” are acceptable phrases.
If you’re trying to make the world more inclusive, words like “pregnant women” or “people looking for abortions,” are okay. pic.twitter.com/ljaabPxWak— APStylebook (@APStylebook) August 17, 2022
Well, isn’t it mighty convenient that they’re re-embracing the word “women” two months after the Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v. Wade?
Make no mistake – that’s exactly what this is about, pretending to formally recognize and “respect” women again, which is why staunchly pro-abortion Democrats from California Gov. Gavin Newsom was introduced to Nancy Pelosi as House Speaker and senator. Chuck Schumer, Majority Leader of the House, and Nancy Pelosi to Senate Speaker, Gavin Newsom all dropped unscientific talk points on how men can become pregnant within the immediate wake of the SCOTUS ruling.
One has to wonder, however, if the new AP/Dem line on women will change after the midterm elections, seeing that the people they have tried to bend over backwards to appease on this issue with their inclusion of “pregnant people” and “people seeking abortions” clearly don’t appreciate it:
A recent survey on access found that 3 percent of Hoosiers who sought abortion care weren’t women.
You cannot say anything else. @APStylebook. https://t.co/J2Ucqqzxyy
— Lauren Chapman🏳️🌈 (@laurenechapman_) August 17, 2022
Your language guidance doesn’t recognize that trans women, girls and other non-binary individuals can also become pregnant.
It’s possible that the guidance you provide is not clear enough. However, your audience expects clarity. @APStylebook.
You can always try again, no matter what. https://t.co/Fnjf44qABI
— Lauren Girardin (@girardinl) August 17, 2022
As always, stay tuned…
Flashback: WaPo Tries (and Fails) to Memory Hole Stylebook Update on ‘Pregnant Individuals’