In relation to “Filter Folly”, I have to pass this story along. It speaks volumes about how p-c this world has become.

As Ike knows, I am a Canadian teevee broadcaster. A short while back, a local sports team had lost 3 or 4 games in a row. Since much was expected of this club, I made the comment that, “the natives are getting restless.”

Someone contacted my boss to complain, saying I had insulted Aboriginal people. This person demanded an on-air apology. My boss hauled me in to ask what I was possibly thinking.

“I was referring to people native to this city,” I explained. “Everyone who was born and raised here is a Toronto-native. Just like you’re a Montreal-native and I’m a native of my hometown. Aboriginals never crossed my mind.”

And, honestly.. they hadn’t.

I pointed out that I constantly localize regional athletes this way, ie. a “London native” or a “Hamilton native”. Until this one complaint, it had never been an issue.

“Oh”, my boss said. “Well…then I guess you don’t have to apologize on the air. But don’t ever use the term ‘native’ again.”

Uh, thanks boss. Thanks for your support.

It’s not until I click on Permalink that “Leave a Comment” becomes an option. Fortunately, I like clicking on links to see what will happen, but otherwise, I’m out of here without leaving a comment.

Fortunately for folks like us, the right thing for businesses to do is bulk up on us, people that can moderate and manage the contexts of language. Unfortunately, it’s not likely they will start anytime soon.

Unless they read you regularly.