Posted on 07/12/2021 2:50:51 PM PDT by billorites
The Entomological Society of America has removed “gypsy moth” and “gypsy ant” as recognized common names for two insect species in its Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms List.
The changes are made in conjunction with the launch of a new ESA program to review and replace insect common names that may be inappropriate or offensive. Entomologists, scientists in related fields, and the public are invited to participate in identifying and proposing alternatives for insect common names that perpetuate negative ethnic or racial stereotypes.
"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," says ESA President Michelle S. Smith, BCE. "That's why we’re working to ensure all ESA-approved insect common names meet our standards for diversity, equity, and inclusion."
Better Common Names ProjectThe Better Common Names Project seeks community input on ESA’s common names list and will direct the formation of working groups to develop and recommend new common names where needed. In March 2021, the ESA Governing Board approved new policies for acceptable insect common names, which bar names referencing ethnic or racial groups and names that might stoke fear; the policies also discourage geographic references, particularly for invasive species.
The existing common names for the moth Lymantria dispar and the ant Aphaenogaster araneoides were identified as containing a derogatory term for the Romani people. In June, the ESA Governing Board elected to remove the common names for both species from the ESA Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms List.
Native to Eurasia, Lymantria dispar is a serious pest of North American forests, with caterpillars that feed on more than 300 species of trees and shrubs. This year, parts of the northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada are seeing some of the largest outbreaks of L. dispar in decades. ESA will seek to convene a volunteer group to propose a new common name for L. dispar, which would then be made available for ESA member comment and subject to approval by the ESA Committee on Insect Common Names and the ESA Governing Board.
The ESA Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms List was created in the early 20th century and has grown to recognize common names for more than 2,300 insect and arthropod species. Only names that appear in the list may be used in articles published in ESA’s scientific journals or in presentations and posters at ESA conferences, and ESA adheres to the list in all of its other communications, including its website, social media, and public policy documents. ESA makes the common names list available as a public resource, and a variety of scientific organizations, extension professionals, and media outlets refer to it.
For more info, see the Better Common Names Project summary and FAQs and the Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms searchable database and use and submission guidelines.
FFS...
WTF?
“...we’re working to ensure all ESA-approved insect common names meet our standards for diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
—
Insect equity. It’s come to this.
More idiocy.
Oh! Thank goodness. You have no idea how much better I’ll sleep at night, now.
Or we could say, "Screw the entomologists" and continue to call gypsy moths the name we've used forever.
It is known to invade.
Does the Praying Mantis offend atheists?
“What of the insect the German Roach?
It is known to invade.”
*****************************************
And what of the Norway rat, ironically believed to be of Asian Origen.
This lunacy will go on forever with all the names for flora and fauna.
So is the Cock Roach, with permission of course.
I asked in my yard.
Neither the black ants nor the red ants got the memo.
‘Better Common Names Project’
Just continue to assume that the end game is to have all Conservatives/Libertarians/Patriots of any color ‘identified’ by the number tattooed on us.
The more things change, the more they stay the same, though it’s important to make sure our children are NEVER educated about these horrors, Right Ms. Leftist HISTORY Teacher?
“Method of Tattooing”
“Originally, a special metal stamp, holding interchangeable numbers made up of needles approximately one centimeter long was used. This allowed the whole serial number to be punched at one blow onto the prisoner’s left upper chest. Ink was then rubbed into the bleeding wound.”
“When the metal stamp method proved impractical, a single-needle device was introduced, which pierced the outlines of the serial-number digits onto the skin. The site of the tattoo was changed to the outer side of the left forearm. However, prisoners from several transports in 1943 had their numbers tattooed on the inner side of their left upper forearms. Tattooing was generally performed during registration when each prisoner was assigned a camp serial number. Since prisoners sent directly to the gas chambers were never issued numbers, they were never tattooed.”
Communism, in ALL of it’s various permutations, needs to be stamped out - FOREVER!
Will cougars be next?
“Entomological Society of America Discontinues Use of Gypsy Moth, Ant Names...”
No one else is.
How 'bout the Latin names?
If you’re offended by insect names you have an insect brain.
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