In a recent twist of events, the revered mainstream Associated Press (AP) Stylebook sparked a fiery backlash for recommending that publications avoid using the politically charged acronym TERF, which stands for “trans-exclusionary radical feminist.” The move has fanned the flames of an ongoing cultural debate, drawing sharp lines between varying political ideologies and revealing the evolving tactics of the cultural left to reshape society by manipulating language.
Leftists, renowned for advocating inclusive language, paradoxically erupted in outrage at AP’s call for more precise language. The AP Stylebook’s statement reads, “Avoid the vague and politicized terms trans-exclusionary radical feminist or its acronym, TERF, and gender-critical to describe cisgender women or others who object to the inclusion of transgender women in women’s spaces. Instead, be specific about a person’s or group’s objections.”
On our updated Transgender Topical Guide: trans-exclusionary radical feminist.
We recommend avoiding the vague and politicized term to describe cisgender women or others who object to the inclusion of transgender women in women's spaces.https://t.co/HEBdoiEWnM pic.twitter.com/zSet75MbU5— APStylebook (@APStylebook) June 14, 2023
Rather than embracing the opportunity for dialogue and understanding, critics have responded with vitriol. A prominent voice expressed, “This isn’t a style tip. It’s a politically-motivated transphobic wet-paper-towel mealy-mouthed stance.” Another comment decried, “‘TERF’ and ‘Gender Critical’ are concise, useful terms that describe a reactionary political bloc.” Another responded to the AP, saying, “You are f—- cowards at best, and TERFs at worst. Literally trash.”
These responses and many others reveal a telling aspect of the current cultural left – an apparent preference for labeling and dismissing dissenting voices rather than engaging in substantive debate. The attacks directed toward the AP’s advisory underscore the left’s growing tendency to impose language constraints that ultimately limit discourse.
The context is a broader societal discourse about the inclusion and rights of trans-identifying individuals in spaces reserved for women. Notably, celebrated Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has been labeled a TERF by radical transgenderists for her stance. The AP Stylebook aims for neutral, precise language to describe nuanced positions in this heated landscape.
Yet, critics miss the point, accusing the AP of “laundering a hate movement’s reputation” or siding with “literal fascists.” This escalates the conversation into a binary narrative – “you are either with us or against us,” leaving little room for nuanced discussion. This absence of tolerance for alternate perspectives is often couched within the language manipulation tactics employed by the cultural left.
Furthermore, the AP Stylebook’s goal seems to be fostering understanding and respect, advising, for instance, respecting each person’s pronouns and avoiding terms considered anti-trans slurs. This broader mission aligns with a call for clarity and precision in language usage.
The AP Stylebook has been a guiding beacon for many U.S. newspapers and publications, valued for its clarity and nuance. This incident illustrates how even language guides are not immune from the pressure of political ideologies. In today’s heated political environment, maintaining linguistic neutrality is a challenging, if not insurmountable, task.
