There’s a list of “naughty words” floating around
that apparently, government entities have been asked, in a very Orwellian directive, to expunge from their trainings, documents, and websites. Having looked at this list, I think those who’ve issued the directives might be better served by simply shutting up altogether.
Words, Words, Words
Here’s the list (so far) if you’re wondering why so many government websites are not working well today. I wouldn’t know where to begin, were I given the monumental task of removing words like “access” and “binary” from a user’s guide. I might gamely try, though, if I were feeling particularly subversive. The words “malicious compliance” spring merrily to mind. I just learned that term, yesterday. Also encountered, this week, were the delightful phrases, “Go f*** yourself sideways with a porcupine” and “You rank and wretched puke horse.”
ability
acceptance
access
affirmative
aggression
allyship
androgyne
asexual
belonging
bias
binary
bisexual
black
culture
deia
discrimination
diversity
eeo
empathy
empowerment
equitable
equity
ethnicity
fairness
gay
gender
gender dysphoria
handicap
homosexual
impartial
inclusion
inclusive
indigenous
intersectionality
intersex
justice
lgbtq
lgbtq+
lgbtqia
multiculturalism
native american
pansexual
power dynamics
privilege
queer
race
redistribution
representation
safe space
social justice
trans gender
transgender
transsexual
transvestite
under served communities
white
There are so many things I could say about each of these, but I will leave it to your imagination. I’ll admit to a small chuckle at the thought of having to delete all of the “white papers” that have no doubt been written at taxpayer expense. All reference to the “Department of Justice”? Gone. Pretty sure the Supreme Court is rolling nine pairs of eyes right about now. “Access” and “binary”? How will the techs maintain the computer systems, once all these words have been redacted or expunged?
Poetry from Putrescence
Instead, I thought these words should live and thrive—that they would make great prompts for my fellow poets! Here’s one of mine, so far:
Pondering Matthew 6:14
What’s empathy but an ability
to look beyond our biased binary
aggression: us or them. No nuanced choice—
discrimination hears no reasoned voice.
Death doesn’t ask consent, gives no respite
from wanton acts of bigotry and spite
Destruction answers; it’s affirmative—
diversity is dead. Alternative
ideas like equity not welcome here.
Conform at once—or die, and disappear
like fragile words that fall from satellites,
are lost to censored silence, endless nights.
There are no underserved communities
where allyship from privilege is a tease.
This conformation culture must please God
but I think their Christ might find it very odd.
As always, if you’re up for the challenge, please join in the fun – comment here with your poetry or a link to where we can all find it. And if you have the time, please read my latest piece on Medium, “There’s No Such Thing as Sex, Now.“
Safe Space (an Asefru)
Diversity acceptance,
loving culture dance –
letâs have no more aggression.
Canât be merely happenstance,
Privilege a chance
to practice more inclusion.
As humans we must advance
belonging, our stance:
Ending discrimination.
Brava! Thank you form joining in, Karen.
The stories that are coming out from the USA is mind-blowing!
Your poem is amazing. Their Jesus is not someone I would recognize. How people can distort things and hate to this extent can never cease to shock me!