Ex-Army Chief David Morrison wages war against offensive terms like ‘guys’ and ‘so gay,’ promotes #WordsAtWork campaign [VIDEOS]

Former Australian Army Chief David Morrison is waging war against sexist and other offensive words in the workplace. The chair of the Diversity Council Australia board is promoting inclusive language at work as part of its #WordsAtWork campaign.

In a video released by DCA on Tuesday, Morrison sheds light on how seemingly innocuous words could be harmful to employees. The 2-minute video shows how a group of women take offence at being called “girls” by a male co-worker, and how implying only mums do dishes can be considered sexist.

YouTube/Diversity Council Australia

It also takes aim at derogatory terms, such as calling an unpopular idea “so gay,” or labelling people “Abo,” “retard,” “fag,” “dyke,” “poofter” and “ball-breaker.” This also includes the use of “guys.”

“The research has told us for years how language cuts people out or cuts them down, and yet it still happens,” Morrison said in the video.

“All sorts of people cop it. Old labels that don’t do justice to who we are today,” he continued. “When it comes to words, we all got to walk the talk.”

DCA hopes to promote inclusive language in the workplace through its #WordsAtWork campaign. Inclusive language, as it describes, enables people in the organisation feel valued and respected and able to contribute their talents to drive organisational performance. It is an effective language that is
“respectful, accurate and relevant to all.”

In contrast, non-inclusive language contributes to and perpetuates stereotyping. It also harms people who witness it as well as the intended targets.

“There might be people who go, ‘that’s the way I say all the time and I don’t mean it to be in any way disrespectful,’ but it’s not what you intend, it’s how you are listened to,” Morrison told the Australian Financial Review.

Reactions on the new #WordsAtWork campaign are divided on social media. Some are commending Morrison and the DCA for the initiative, while others think they are making a big deal of non-offensive things.

“What a joke and a waste of money,” YouTube user Anthon Martincevic wrote.

“This whole crap has gone way, way too far,” user Bondidog agreed. “I now hear there is a move against ‘guys.’ Really? In most places I work, it is an inclusive term irrespective of gender, race or the number of legs who have.”

Morrison, a retired senior office who served as Chief of Army from 2011 until 2015, was named Australian of the Year for 2016. He was hailed for his speech against misogyny in 2013, which was uploaded on the army’s official YouTube channel. In the video, he described the behaviour of the men involved in the Skype sex scandal as “demeaning and repugnant.”

YouTube/AustralianArmyHQ

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