Customers of Phrase have taken to social media to precise their discontent with the brand new ‘woke’ characteristic
Microsoft Phrase has began providing ‘politically appropriate’ alternate options to some phrases and expressions, however a brand new “inclusive language characteristic” has left many customers unimpressed.
The tech large introduced final yr that it was working “to take away non-inclusive language generally discovered inside the expertise and cybersecurity sectors.”
In keeping with that aim, the most recent model of Microsoft Phrase in Workplace 365 has an extra editor software that means “extra inclusive” alternate options to generally used phrases and phrases that may offend somebody in relation to gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and socioeconomic standing. When the brand new perform is used, any doubtlessly offensive phrases, like all different ‘errors,’ are underlined, permitting the author to repair them if they need.
In line with media reviews, the brand new software suggests, for instance, changing “mankind” with “humankind” or “humanity,” and gives to vary “maid” to the genderless “home cleaner” and, in an analogous vein, “mistress” to “lover.” It recommends utilizing “principal” as an alternative of “headmaster” and “workforce” rather than “manpower.”
The introduction of the characteristic has prompted some to complain on social media. “Microsoft says we have to say humankind as an alternative of mankind so we don’t offend somebody. Cease catering to them… These woke guidelines damage us, by no means assist us,” one particular person commented on Twitter.
“I’m so sick of this rattling ‘wokeness.’ I’m dropping Phrase,” one other particular person tweeted.
Seemingly anticipating backlash, Microsoft mentioned in an announcement that it realized “not each Editor suggestion could also be appropriate for all customers and all eventualities” and reminded customers that the brand new characteristic was “fully elective” and could possibly be used or not used at will.
This isn’t the primary time the corporate has turn out to be an object of ‘wokeness’-related criticism. In November final yr, Microsoft was mocked over footage of its digital convention, Ignite 2021, that opened with senior managers introducing themselves utilizing their gender pronouns.
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