The name of the Asian giant hornet, which most people simply refer to as “murder hornets” is being changed in response to “a rise in hate crimes and discrimination against people of Asian descent.”
The Entomological Society of America released a statement on the name change, revealing that they are now dubbing the insect the “Northen Great Hornet.”
“Amid a rise in hate crimes and discrimination against people of Asian descent, usage of ‘Asian’ in the name of a pest insect can unintentionally bolster anti-Asian sentiment,” the group fretted.
According to the society’s president, Jessica Ware, the new name aims to be more “scientifically accurate” while avoiding creating any stigmas about any particular ethnic group or race.
“Common names are an important tool for entomologists to communicate with the public about insects and insect science. Northern giant hornet is both scientifically accurate and easy to understand, and it avoids evoking fear or discrimination,” she explained.
“‘Asian giant hornet’ does not convey unique information about the biology or behavior of the species,” the statement continued.
Social media reacted to the name swap:
The Murder Hornets.
— Votey McVoteface (@Crapplefratz) July 27, 2022
I’ll take “Performative Bullcrap” for $500.
— Tropical-Trish (@wtffiles) July 27, 2022
I’m more than certain this will finally reduce hornet discrimination
— Pregnant Cannibal (@sexrats) July 27, 2022
“Scientists”
— Le Fleur (@tbflowers) July 27, 2022
Seriously… this is so unnecessary I cannot with this generation sometimes lol @GChapman00
— hams ⋆ شمس ♂️ (@YrsTrulytheSun) July 26, 2022
I hope they’re using the correct pronouns, too.
— Mark, Darkly Optimistic (@mkos66) July 26, 2022
How could a hornet know that he is discriminated?
— Carolina Muñoz (@lcaromunoz) July 26, 2022
Thank you scientists, very cool!
— Dan Campbell is so football (@Danisfootball) July 26, 2022
— Memes in Space (@MemesInSpace) July 27, 2022
They’ll now be known as Asian Recession Hornets.
— grasshoppa Prime (@grasshoppa13) July 26, 2022
how about we just completely remove them from North America instead of quibbling over names.
— crush override (@deeplore5) July 26, 2022
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