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CDC gets list of forbidden words

(www.washingtonpost.com)
382 points js2 | 1 comments | | HN request time: 0.252s | source
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somebodynew ◴[] No.15937313[source]
I probably need to preface this comment by making it clear that I'm against banning words and not a fan of Trump.

Banning "fetus" and "transgender" is completely indefensible as they're fairly neutral words with no obvious replacement. But for the rest, imagine that rather than a ban this was a style guide recommending against certain words. The common theme in the rest of them is that they don't convey much useful information but have a strong emotional charge.

You don't need to say something is evidence-based, just show the evidence. Coming right out and saying your position is evidence-based just sounds like a way to shut down any objections, even reasoned discussion, by casting the other side as being against science, evidence, or facts in general. This is similar for science-based, vulnerable, and diversity. If you're seen as being "anti-diversity" your argument doesn't matter because you're a misogynistic racist xenophobe.

Entitlements is charged term because you've cemented your position on social welfare pretty clearly just by referring to them as entitlements. It's not quite as bad as Derry/Londonderry , but it's certainly not neutral.

I don't think any of these words should be banned, but I do think it would be reasonable for government agencies to use neutral language and fully explain their thoughts rather than using emotionally charged buzzwords.

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1. bitL ◴[] No.15937461[source]
Maybe those words were identified as most likely to be used in manipulating others to get bigger budget and moving towards emotional response "one with a good heart" can't deny, so it's a nice playground for sociopaths to force their way through by shaming/guilt/etc.? So commonly used technique, one would laugh if it weren't so dangerous not to play along, risking mob lynching?

Frankly, I'd love to know what is the best defense technique for the scenario I outlined. Any ideas?