While describing the huge number of Long-tailed Ducks seen in Shinnicock Bay, I used both its current name, as well as the species' former name...adding that I "missed" the latter.
This prompted Molly Adams to respond to me privately, stating "The name was changed for a reason. What's fun to say and nostalgic for you is offensive, racist and sexist to others". After being shocked, confused and indignant, I then realized I had much to learn and understand about Molly's comments ! When the name was changed I had not heard nor read anything that suggested it was due to being politically correct. My response to her consisted of trying to explain the meaning I gave (without any malice whatsoever) to the words I used, and asked for any information she could send to help educate me ! The four links she sent were conclusive - she was right - I stood corrected ! The old name of the Long-tailed Duck was disparaging to a proud portion of our American Heritage ! I know I will refrain from using it while writing in the future, but can only hope I don't blurt it out during the heat of battle (birding) ie, "Marsh Hawk", "Myrtle Warbler" or "Upland Plover" ! Cheers, Bob -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
