Conservative MP’s Critique: “Worrying About Language Instead of Real Issues”
Staffordshire Police finds itself under scrutiny as a newly published guide advising officers on language use raises eyebrows.
Tory MP Nigel Mills criticizes the force, expressing concerns about the emphasis on language policing when there are more pressing matters at hand.
Banning ‘Policeman’: The Language Dilemma
The 12-page guide, released in June, cautions officers against using the term ‘policeman,’ advocating for the more gender-neutral ‘police officer.’ Mills argues that such language restrictions divert attention from the primary responsibilities of the police force.
Challenging Gender Stereotypes: More Than Just Words
The guide goes beyond gendered language, discouraging expressions like ‘man up’ or ‘grow a pair’ that reinforce gender stereotypes.
The attempt to create a more inclusive and considerate environment is met with skepticism by those who question the practicality and necessity of such measures.
Job Titles Under Scrutiny: From ‘Cleaning Lady’ to ‘Statesman’
Officers are urged to reconsider job titles, with ‘cleaning lady’ suggested to be replaced by ‘cleaner,’ ‘spokesman’ substituted with ‘spokesperson,’ and ‘statesman’ exchanged for terms like ‘official,’ ‘diplomat,’ ‘political figure,’ or ‘leader.’ The guide emphasizes its role as a reference, not an exhaustive rulebook.
Discrimination Through Language: A Legal and Ethical Concern
Highlighting the potential legal ramifications, the guide asserts that discrimination through language, whether intentional or not, can cause offense, patronize, and may even be unlawful.
The emphasis on sensitivity aligns with broader efforts to foster respectful communication within the force.
Navigating Disabilities and Ethnicity: Striking a Delicate Balance
The language guide extends its reach to disabilities, discouraging terms like ‘diabetic person’ and cautioning against using the term ‘dumb’ due to its derogatory connotations. Ethnicity-related recommendations advise against terms like ‘half-caste,’ ‘mixed race,’ ‘oriental,’ and ‘BAME,’ urging specificity in language use.
Contextualizing the Guide: Staffordshire Police’s Perspective
In response to the criticism, Staffordshire Police emphasizes that the guidance was crafted in collaboration with external consultants to promote courtesy and respect.
The force maintains that the guide is not exhaustive but serves as a tool to encourage mindful language use within the police community.
Controversy Echoed: A Reflection of Broader Language Debates
This incident mirrors a broader societal debate around language use, inclusion, and the fine line between fostering respectful communication and imposing restrictions on expression. As Staffordshire Police grapples with feedback, the guide’s impact on the force’s internal culture remains a topic of discussion.
