“The Idiotic Woke Left” – American Ornithological Society Ruffles Feathers by Banning “Racist” Bird Names

Gabriel RomanNov 11, 2023

Minute Read

A recent decision by the American Ornithological Society (AOS) has ruffled quite a few feathers on social media. The organization announced a major name change for dozens of North American birds, and the internet is abuzz with reactions. According to them, some of these names have a racist history, which is why they are renaming them.

Bird Name Rebranding Effort

The American Ornithological Society’s (AOS) sweeping reform to modernize bird names is an example of science’s understanding of history. This revision is not a spur-of-the-moment decision. Instead, it is the culmination of a progressive dialogue within the birdwatching community. It challenges the appropriateness of celebrating historical figures with problematic pasts.

The Motivation for Name Changes

The cause for the AOS’s latest measures stems from an ongoing, worldwide introspection on social justice and the quest to correct historical wrongs. The Society underscores the significant influence that names have in shaping perceptions. They acknowledge that some names are reminders of an exclusionary past that does not represent the diverse community involved with ornithology today.

Insights from AOS Executives

Echoing the Society’s aspirations for greater diversity and inclusivity, AOS President Colleen Handel stressed the necessity for a scientific community that embraces all bird enthusiasts, stating emphatically. She said, “We need a much more inclusive and engaging scientific process.” Judith Scarl, the AOS’s CEO, called attention to the problematic nature of certain bird names that are marred by associations with historical figures known for racism and misogyny.

A Range of Reactions

The AOS’s decision has undeniably sparked a firestorm on various social media platforms, leading to many responses. The label “woke,” a word with contemporary connotations of social consciousness, has been variously used to endorse or disparage the Society’s actions. It shows the polarized response from the community.

Voices of Dissent Online

Image Credit:Tada Images / Shutterstock.

The digital realm has become an arena for debate, as seen on the social platform X. Users like @AlbertoMiguelF5 expressed a sense of loss over the forthcoming change to Lewis’s Woodpecker. They see it as an erasure of a part of Americana. Similarly, @StuDoesAmerica spoke of a sense of historical erasure, seeing the AOS’s move as a misguided attempt to sever ties with the past.

Birds to Be Renamed

Many bird species, such as the Wilson’s warbler and Wilson’s snipe, are slated for renaming. The initiative is expansive. It includes not only those birds whose names honor individuals but also those whose designations contain terms that have become culturally sensitive or are based on misinterpretations.

Reasoning for Specific Changes

With a conscientious approach to naming, the AOS has offered explanations for each proposed name change. For instance, they have highlighted concerns from indigenous communities about terms like “Eskimo” being considered derogatory. They also identified the confusion between distinct cultural identities, such as the Inca and Aztec civilizations, as central to their reassessment.

Historical Precedent for Changes

The AOS has a track record of reevaluating avian names. They previously renamed a species that bore the name of a Confederate general. This previous action illustrates the Society’s commitment to align bird names with values that reflect the present ethos of inclusivity and respect for all cultures.

Future Naming Guidelines

Moving forward, the AOS plans to adopt a more descriptive and neutral approach to naming birds. The shift towards referencing physical traits, ecological niches, or geographic ranges aims to provide a more informative and less controversial basis for naming. This will facilitate a clearer understanding and appreciation of bird species among bird enthusiasts and the scientific community at large.

Scope of the Renaming Project

While the renaming initiative indicates a substantial shift in common names, the AOS has outlined its scope. They clarified that the scientific taxonomy, governed by international codes, will remain intact. This ensures continuity and stability within the global scientific dialogue, while the changes will primarily affect the common English names used by birdwatchers and the general public.

Public Sentiment on AOS Priorities

Some users have questioned the prioritization of bird name changes by the American Ornithological Society. One comment read, “How does this become a priority in this country? This is an example of what’s so wrong with our country today. It’s so sad.” This reflects a broader sense of bafflement and frustration regarding the Society’s focus.

Accusations of Playing the ‘Racist Card’

Other critics believe the AOS is exacerbating racial tensions by ‘overplaying’ the racist card. One user said, “This is totally ridiculous. This racist card is being overplayed. It needs to stop,” Some people believe the AOS’s actions are an unnecessary response to a non-issue, suggesting that the pursuit of change is driven more by a desire to appear progressive.

Growing Fatigue Over Racism Allegations

The question, “Why is everything becoming racist? Who is doing all this nitpicking. stop with the absurdity,” highlights a growing weariness in parts of the public. They feel frustrated over the frequent labeling of various societal elements as racist. This fatigue shows a disconnect between the AOS’s objectives and the public’s perception of meaningful activism.

Critique of Time Management

Amid the flurry of criticism, some mockingly suggest that the AOS members might have “way too much time on their hands.” These users implied that the organization could be directing its resources and energy towards more impactful endeavors instead of deliberating over the naming of birds. They believe the organization could best spend its time on more important issues.

Satire and Hyperbole in Public Opinion

The decision by the AOS has been met with hate by some. One person claimed that the left is now targeting “little birdies” after having “CANCELED A WOMAN WHO WAS FAMOUS, INTELLIGENT AND AN ICON IN THIS COUNTRY.” This dramatic expression reflects a perception that the AOS’s actions are part of a larger pattern of unnecessary cultural revisionism.

Exasperation at the Ongoing Name Changes

The statement “When will this stop? When are we going to stop giving in to the cry babies of the world who seem to WANT to be offended by anything and everything?” speaks to a frustration with the ongoing societal trend towards changing names and terms that are deemed offensive. Some see it as yielding to overly sensitive demands.

Fear for the Nation’s Direction

Voices from the public are expressing concern that such actions are symptomatic of a nation losing its way. As one user said, “This is what it has come to. Our nation is slipping away.” This reveals an underlying anxiety about the perceived shift in national values and priorities in America.

Mockery of Left-Wing Policies

The renaming initiative has attracted outright mockery, with claims like “This is the most ABSURD thing to come out of the idiotic ‘WOKE’ left!” Such comments are often accompanied by calls for more ‘adult’ leadership. They suggest that the current decision-makers act on juvenile impulses rather than rational, adult reasoning.