It is time for another edition of ‘You Can’t Say That’ – the franchise where we highlight something that you cannot say or do or think in America in 2024.
Today, we have a seasonal dilemma for you. It is October. It’s that time of year when the leaves are changing color and the pumpkins come out. In other words, it is fall or autumn. But according to a recent column in Nature magazine, two scientists and researchers think using the terms ‘fall’ and ‘autumn’ is completely inappropriate.
You see, seasonal terminology is a sign of your bias – a bias that you may not even know you have if you are reading this right now. The terms are apparently not inclusive and neither are the other seasons. Hate to break it to you, but summer, winter, and spring are exclusive.
What sort of bias is it that they have identified in you? Well, describing October as autumn is actually just your “northern hemisphere bias” talking. Yes, these two researchers are from Australia where their seasons in the southern hemisphere are very different. As such, they say the practice of using “region-specific seasonal markers” should be ended immediately.
Thankfully, these scientists have given some suggestions for how we can be more seasonally inclusive and avoid a “Euro-American-centric approach.” For starters, use months instead of seasons. They would also like science conferences to “respect work-life balance” by understanding that January in the southern hemisphere is like August for those of us in the northern hemisphere. We should be avoiding using those months for work travel to respect our Aussie friends.
So, remember: If you are thinking about calling the next season that kicks off on December 21 ‘winter,’ you are being very offensive, and you can’t say that. Oh, wait. This is America, where it is fall.
You can check out Megyn’s full analysis by tuning in to episode 927 on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you like to listen. And don’t forget that you can catch The Megyn Kelly Show live on SiriusXM’s Triumph (channel 111) weekdays from 12pm to 2pm ET.