Posted on 07/10/2021 1:54:29 PM PDT by Right Wing Vegan
“If people are feeling excluded because of what we call something, that’s not acceptable,” the president of the Entomological Society of America said.
The Entomological Society of America are working to remove a pair of offensive insect monikers.
The scientific organization announced Wednesday that it is dropping the common names gypsy moth and gypsy ant because the names include an offensive slur for the Roma or Romani people.
For now, both insects will be referred to by their scientific names — Lymantria dispar and Aphaenogaster araneoides, respectively — though the ESA will be taking suggestions for new common names, they said in a press release.
"The purpose of common names is to make communication easier between scientists and the public audiences they serve. By and large, ESA's list of recognized insect common names succeeds in this regard, but names that are unwelcoming to marginalized communities run directly counter to that goal," ESA President Michelle S. Smith said in the release.
"That's why we're working to ensure all ESA-approved insect common names meet our standards for diversity, equity, and inclusion," Smith added.
In an interview with The New York Times, Smith noted that it was "not acceptable" to continue using the offensive names.
(Excerpt) Read more at people.com ...
I suppose Persian Cats and Persian rugs are next on the chopping block.

Black Widow Spiders?

Black Swallowtail Caterpillars?

Black Bears? Thhhrrrpppp! Stuff it, Charlie!

Every gypsy refers to themselves as gypsies. I guarantee not a single Roma complained
And Siamese cats.
How about Roma moth and Roma ant?
Ministry of Truth has spoken.
it appears whiteflies still obtain their privilege...
LOL...forgot about that one!
So can we make praying mantis atheist mantises...
See my reply #31. :-)
what a gyp!
Grifter moth?
Oops, my bad.
5.56mm
There is nothing more offensive about “Gypsy” than there will be about “Roma” if the change is accepted and used by the public. It is not the name that is offensive.
Actually it is a preying mantis but wokers can’t spell anyway.
gypsy : one who resembles a Gypsy especially : a person who wanders or roams from place to place
OH Yeah, i can see how the bugs were offended... WTH!
Was it an insult to the moth?
Niger toes
If you say so.
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