The official Twitter account of the Associated Press Stylebook was mocked last week after it suggested to stop using the word “the” when referring to “the French.” The AP suggested the label ‘the’ may have dehumanizing implications. Syndicated talk radio host Joe Pags said Friday that the Associated Press is trying to change the English language.
“I’m gonna tell the AP to shut up,” said Pags mockingly. “If somebody tells you what language you can use, keep using the language and they’ll go away. If somebody tells you that you did this, that, or the other thing wrong, don’t agree with them if you didn’t.”
The Embassy of France responded to the AP’s tweet, “I guess this is us now…” with a screenshot of the Twitter account changing its name to “Embassy of Frenchness in the US.”
After the original tweet went viral, the Associated Press retracted it’s original phrasing, and apologized for singling out the French.
“If you believe in what you said or what it is that you did, do not apologize, do not change,” Pags said. “The only way we give them power is if we apologize or if we change.”
The Stylebook offers a basic reference to American English grammar, punctuation, and principles of reporting, including many definitions and rules for usage.
Pags shared with his audience that he’s often criticized by some of his listeners who he believes just want to tear him down. He urged people to spend more time being original in the wake of criticism.
“The AP can line up, pucker up, and pick a cheek and kiss my ass,” Pags added. “In fact, they can kiss both ass cheeks.”
