Parents outraged by woke style guide from Scout leaders which condemns terms including ‘Girl Guides’ and ‘postmen’
- Scout chiefs insist ‘no words are banned’, but the guide is unequivocal in parts
Scout leaders have outraged parents with a woke style guide that condemns traditional terms including ‘Girl Guides’.
It also calls for ‘postmen’ to be called ‘postal workers’ and ‘fireman’ to become ‘firefighters’ stating that terms should not ‘presume men are the default’.
But the A-Z guidance on words and phrases for those writing material for the 113-year-old organisation has sparked fierce criticism from some.
The mother of one child who attends a Scout group in Derby told the Sunday Express: ‘Life is confusing enough. I thought the one place they could be free of this nonsense would be the Scouts.’
While Scout chiefs insisted ‘no words are banned’ the guidance is unequivocal in parts. It states: ‘Refer to “Guides” rather than “Girl Guides”. Never use “he” or “his” to cover all genders – use “they” or “their” or rearrange your sentence.
Scout leaders have outraged parents with a woke style guide that condemns traditional terms including ‘Girl Guides’. It also calls for ‘postmen’ to be called ‘postal workers’ and ‘fireman’ to become ‘firefighters’ stating that terms should not ‘presume men are the default’. Pictured: File photo of Brownie Scouts in London
‘For example, rather than “the winner should collect his prize”, try “the winner should collect their prize”.
‘Don’t use terms that presume men are the default, for example, don’t use “postmen” or “fireman” when “postal workers” or “firefighters” would do. It’s also “humankind”, not “mankind”. “Actor” and “comedian” cover people of all genders.’
It continues: ‘Family details and marital statuses are rarely relevant, unless the story is about family or marriage. Don’t describe a woman as “a mother of three”, or define her using her partner’s identity.’
While the guidance is not for children attending Scout groups the fact such politicised language has been endorsed by the organisation has still left parents concerned.
The Derbyshire mother, who asked not to be named, said: ‘It’s shocking. It’s like they are trying to erase what a boy and girl is. Children of that age just need to be left alone and allowed to develop.’
She added: ‘I just want my child to become more confident and empowered about life and not constantly fear of saying the wrong thing.’
Another parent said: ‘I cannot understand it. Why can’t they be left alone.’
It comes after the Scouts were criticised for advertising for eight ‘equality, diversity and inclusion’ roles earlier this month.
A Scouts spokesman said: ‘Scouts is open to everyone, we welcome all young people and adults.
‘We have a style guide, but it’s not a set of rules, and no words are banned. We aim to be welcoming to every family, and use the words that match that ambition.’
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