American language Quote by Paula Broadwell
“My local paper, The New York Times, Yahoo News, CBS, and The Washington Post, all agreed to stop using the word 'mistress.' The big one was the Associated Press. They made a style change, and it's the gold standard that sets the guide for news outlets around the world. That's a small step for the American language, a medium step for feminism, and a huge step for me personally.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Public commentary on language usage, 2023
Changing a major news outlet’s style guide to drop “mistress” influences language norms and signals cultural progress.
In simple terms: Media changed a word, affecting language and feminism.
Key Takeaway
Support inclusive language changes in media.
Themes
language evolution
media influence
feminism
social change
Mood
informative
optimistic
Type
cultural
social
When to use this quote
- newsrooms
- editorial policy
- public discourse
- activism
Key Concepts
sociolinguistics
gender studies
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the broader effects of such language shifts?
- How can media balance tradition and progress?
A Different Perspective
Resistance may arise from traditionalists.
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