Posted on 08/23/2010 7:45:32 AM PDT by AccuracyAcademia
In a move described as a new “branding strategy,” the YMCA recently decided to change its name to simply the “Y,” which prompted Conan O’Brien to comment that “You know times are tough when even letters are getting laid off.”
When YMCA CEO Neil Nicholl rolled out the new name this past summer, he noted that the organization’s goal, “changing lives for the better” . . . “will only come about if we work together to improve our health, stress, then our families and support our neighbors. Our hope is that more people will choose to engage in the Y.”
Was this decision simply a marketing ploy for the non-profit to increase funding? Does it track with the gradual shift to acronyms by United Parcel Service to UPS, National Public Radio to NPR, and Kentucky Fried Chicken to KFC? While some think the abbreviation is long overdue since everyone calls it the “Y” anyway, others believe there’s more to it.
While the Y’s current goals do not conflict with those originally set when it launched in 1844, i.e. “youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” the update eliminates the need to mention that “C” in YMCA stands for “Christian” – a fact that was not lost on John A. Murray, headmaster of the Fourth Presbyterian Church in Potomac, Maryland.
(Excerpt) Read more at academia.org ...
If it had been named the Young Men’s Radical Islamic Association, it would be perfectly PC.
Meh..mountain/molehill. It’s been called the “Y” forever and the M/W distinction was annoying when in most towns I’ve visitied, both are co-ed.
I was under the impression that Christianity was a central contributor to changing lives for the better. If this bureaucrat disagrees, then he is the wrong leader for the YMCA and should find another line of work.
Heard about this months ago from a friend who works for the local Y.
They are trying to “Rebrand”.
The M(en) and the C(hristian) are long gone.
The Goal is to focus on Family and on all the non Gym services and programs.
Young Muslim Conquest Association
So, they are divesting themselves of “Men” and “Christian?” I’ll bet it would be alright if they were the “Young, Gay, Islamic Persons Association,” though.
There are a bunch of jokes in there, but none appropriate for a family blog.
My question is, “Why bother keeping the ‘Y’? If we’re all going to bend over backwards taking care not to offend anyone, how about getting rid of the “Y”? Some of us who are not young anymore might work up some offense at the idea of an organization that fails to include the “old.”
I hope these “Y” people don’t think I’m stupid enough to contribute to something that is ashamed of men and Christians.
Growing up in St. Louis, I can distinctly remember both the YMCA & the YWCA.
Here’s John Murray’s article from the Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:SB10001424052748704271804575405490405454722.html
John Murray has written many articles on the Christian roots of various institutions in America.
I protest!
“Y” is an age-ist name!
Were both co-ed? In the towns where I’ve lived, usually they’re both co-ed.
Back then they weren’t. Late 60’s - early 70’s. I can remember my mom taking me to the YWCA for swimming lessons back then. Kids were able to be drug to either place depending on the parent. LOL
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