Thursday, October 27, 2016
Oxford English Dictionary REFUSES to remove 'offensive' term 'Essex girl' despite 3,000 signature petition
The Oxford English Dictionary publisher insisted today that it will not remove the term 'Essex girl' after a campaign that has attracted 3,000 signatures.
The petition was started by two mothers who claim the term 'pigeonholes' women into an 'appalling stereotype', and they have organised a meeting with the publisher.
Natasha Sawkins, 34, and Juliet Thomas, 32, reacted after the term became recognised in the dictionary to describe 'unintelligent and materialistic' women.
But Oxford University Press, which publishes the OED, said it cannot make changes as a result of a petition, 'as this would go against our descriptive editorial policy and undermine the evidence-based approach that our dictionaries are built on'.
The two former Bloomberg executives claim the phrase is not reflective of Essex women and that those living in the county should 'reclaim' the term.
The mothers, who both live in Essex, hope their campaign will help redefine 'Essex Girl' by celebrating their achievements and true character.
SOURCE
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5 comments:
Sounds like the two women are Essex Girls.
They could start a website to get the Oxford dictionary to change the definition of Essex girl.
Essexchange.com
It is interesting that the "Valley Girls", largely vapid materialistic young women from the Los Angeles Valley turned the derogatory term into their own and profited from it. Similar to police wearing P.I.G (Pride, Integrity, Guts) paraphernalia. You more often than not choose to be a victim of discrimination.
MDH
Sounds like the Newspeak can of worms is almost open. We already have serious problems with culture, the press and academia redefining the language to suit their political needs. Definitions by petition would be the final straw. Hope Oxford Press holds its ground.
Motto of a liberal BORN TO WHINE or NEVER STOPPED WHINING
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