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The Associated Press Stylebook is recommending restrai00nt when using the word “riot” in newly issued guidance aimed at keeping protesters from being stigmatized.
The official Twitter account for the AP Stylebook announced the latest clarification on Wednesday, effectively rejecting the standard definition of the word “riot” in favor of a “milder and less emotional term” such as “unrest.”
“Use care in deciding which term best applies: A riot is a wild or violent disturbance of the peace involving a group of people. The term riot suggests uncontrolled chaos and pandemonium,” the AP Stylebook account tweeted.
“Focusing on rioting and property destruction rather than underlying grievance has been used in the past to stigmatize broad swaths of people protesting against lynching, police brutality or for racial justice, going back to the urban uprisings of the 1960s,” another tweet explained.
New guidance on AP Stylebook Online:
Use care in deciding which term best applies:
A riot is a wild or violent disturbance of the peace involving a group of people. The term riot suggests uncontrolled chaos and pandemonium. (1/5)— APStylebook (@APStylebook) September 30, 2020
The politically correct direction comes as many U.S. cities have been affected by protests for months following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May. Despite violent demonstrations, looting, physical confrontations with law enforcement and blatant destruction of property, the left continues to insist many protests are “mostly peaceful” as the Associated Press now offered alternative verbiage to report the incidents.
“Unrest is a vaguer, milder and less emotional term for a condition of angry discontent and protest verging on revolt,” the AP tweeted.
Unrest is a vaguer, milder and less emotional term for a condition of angry discontent and protest verging on revolt. (3/5)
— APStylebook (@APStylebook) September 30, 2020
“Protest and demonstration refer to specific actions such as marches, sit-ins, rallies or other actions meant to register dissent. They can be legal or illegal, organized or spontaneous, peaceful or violent, and involve any number of people,” another tweet explained.
“Revolt and uprising both suggest a broader political dimension or civil upheavals, a sustained period of protests or unrest against powerful groups or governing systems,” the AP continued.
Revolt and uprising both suggest a broader political dimension or civil upheavals, a sustained period of protests or unrest against powerful groups or governing systems. (5/5)
— APStylebook (@APStylebook) September 30, 2020
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “riot” as “a violent public disorder” as well as “public violence” and a “tumult.” The dictionary further noted that a riot is “a tumultuous disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons assembled together and acting with a common intent.”
All of the definitions seem to fit the scenes that have unfolded in cities like Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington following those set off in Minneapolis.
The Stylebook’s seeming attempt to control the language, and the narrative, is not new. As Minneapolis became engulfed in destructive behavior by angry mobs, the AP’s downplaying of the word “looting” was shared online.
Feels like a good time to post AP’s guidance on the word looting: pic.twitter.com/hjxQWbSYAx
— Kimberlee Kruesi (@kkruesi) May 31, 2020
The organization was slammed in May for guidance directing not to use “mistress” which was seen as being an “archaic and sexist term.”
We now say not to use the archaic and sexist term “mistress” for a woman in a long-term sexual relationship with, and financially supported by, a man who is married to someone else.
Instead, use an alternative like companion or lover on first reference. Provide details later.— APStylebook (@APStylebook) May 8, 2020
The stylebook has also directed journalists to use the term “undocumented” rather than “illegal immigrant” to describe those who are in the country illegally.
The latest guidance on the term “riot” sparked a wave of criticism and mockery on Twitter.
How very Orwellian of you! I can think for myself thank you!
— Winey Girl (@yoohoo8211) October 1, 2020
Thank You for the update, #MinistryOfTruth
— Ant Bishop (@OutpostBourbon) October 1, 2020
Mostly Peaceful Riot.
— I’m To Blame (@im2blame4) September 30, 2020
Thanks for the definition. It’s quite clear now from your definition that what is happening with Auntie Fa IS a riot. Much appreciation for the clarification.
— Caustic Chameleon (@CausticChamele1) October 1, 2020
OMG at what point do you completely unravel your own sanity to come up with contortions like this?
— Nickarama (@nickaramaOG) September 30, 2020
Pure BS and why my style book is on the shelf collecting dust. The AP is not a trusted news source anymore. Changing definitions to fit a political narrative is shameful. It proves it is fake news after all.
— Joe Blows (@dafiddler03) September 30, 2020
But not white.
— BLM IS DOMESTIC TERRORISM (@GayConservMan) September 30, 2020
When you control the words, you can control the narrative.
— ConservativeCorax89 (@YitzRozen) October 1, 2020
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