Seven Words

Now we have the “word police”. It would be laughable, if it weren’t so frightening.  The Washington Post reports that the Centers for Disease Control has banned seven words for use in any future budget proposals. “Vulnerable”, “entitlement”, “diversity”, “transgender”, “fetus”, “science-based”, and “evidence-based.” The Department of Health and Human Services spokesman says, “The assertion that HHS has “banned words” is a complete mischaracterization of the discussions regarding the budget formulations process.” The Post also reports similar guidance has been issued at the State Department. Employees there have been told to call sex education “sexual risk avoidance”. That phrasing usually refers to abstinence-only education. Comedian George Carlin listed the seven dirty words you couldn’t say on television or radio back in 1972. Just think of how much fun he would have with this list.

Let’s take a closer look at these words, and see what the real message is behind this  Trump-era, political and bureaucratic attack on science and society.

Vulnerable-meaning the weaker, poorer people in society who may need help. But, are looked upon as lazy and free loaders who are really gaming the system.

Entitlement-these are the programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, federal and military retirement plans, unemployment compensation, and food stamps. Most of these programs we are entitled to because we paid into them every week, so we should be entitled to collect them. But the word is being banned because it implies we are getting something we really don’t deserve and it costs the government too much.

Diversity-This is the most anti-diverse administration in recent history. If you are rich, white, male you’re in business.

Transgender-The people running the country regard them as freaks. They don’t want to even talk about them, or let them use the bathroom.

Fetus-Code word for a woman’s right to choose.

Science-Based-These guys believe in “clean coal” and don’t believe in climate change.

Evidence-Based- Facts are what we believe they are. Anything else is “fake news”.

So, if you’re a scientist writing a proposals to get money for research, you are probably going to avoid these words. The CDC Director Brenna Fitzgerald says the CDC would certainly not ban specific words in their reports, and it is committed to its” public health mission as a science and evidence based institution.” PBS reports even if the words are not outright banned, but discouraged, it makes getting funding for these issues more difficult.

This ridiculous policy, no matter how it’s stated, is a reflection of the man at the top. He has a disdain for words that he sees as threats to his appeal. He knows he appeals to people with a closed, prejudiced view of the world. Words can be corrupted into powerful weapons. They are the way we express our feelings, thoughts, and beliefs. Leaders, both good and bad, can craft them to appeal to the good and bad in us. Freedom of Speech and expression are one of the first things that intolerant leaders try to control. That can be done by the cowardly, demeaning Tweet, or through the damning of the press by the childish “fake news” declaration.  It says, if I don’t like something, or think it’s critical of my point of view, it can’t be true.

This is dangerous. Because, “it can’t be true” can turn into “I won’t allow it.” This is like a stain that continues to spread and soak into the fabric of society. This coming election year we have the chance to change course, and start to clean up the damage. If we don’t do something, seven words could only be the first of many more.