You Can’t Say That
Words mean things. Proper use of words is important. But changing our language because someone might be triggered is, as usual, getting out of hand.
For example, we are not supposed to call people who break into stores and steal things looters. Not surprisingly, this silly idea comes from California, where so-called experts say calling those who are proficient in the art of “smash and grab” looters is racist because it is used when the perpetrators are people of color or urban dwellers.
Guessing calling them “burglars” or “thieves” would be frowned upon, as well…oh, and as a lawyer, I can tell you throwing the word “alleged” or “allegedly” in front of a phrase does not protect you from a defamation lawsuit.
But it’s not just on the Left Coast. Last week, the board that sets state standards in Colorado voted to change the term “sex offenders”. Those who have been called “sex offenders” say they themselves are offended by the term. One of them suggested the word “client”. Ultimately, the board voted…and I am not making this up…to change the phrase “sex offenders” to “adults who commit sexual offenses”.
That may not be the end of it. Colorado is also considering changing terms like “defendant”, “convict” and “felon” to “justice-involved people”. No, sorry…the judge and the lawyers are “justice-involved”…the guilty party is “crime-involved”.
Oh, by the way…that board that changed sex offender terminology is itself called the Sex Offender Management Board…and even though they can’t use that phrase now in their work, their name won’t change because that would require the Colorado legislature taking action.
