// Introduction //

Australia’s national broadcaster, the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), has banned several common English phrases—including "Chinese whispers" and "no can do"—after an internal review found them to be racially insensitive.

The move is part of ABC’s new "Inclusive Language Guidelines", aiming to eliminate systemic racism in the workplace.

�� Banned Phrases & Their Problematic Histories

1️⃣ "Chinese Whispers"

�� Original Meaning: A game where a message gets distorted as it’s passed along (similar to "broken telephone").
�� Why It’s Banned?

·Originated in 19th-century British sailing culture, where it mocked Chinese sailors for their "poor English comprehension".

·Reinforces stereotypes about Chinese people being unreliable.
�� Replacement: "Misinformation" or "rumor mill".

2️⃣ "No Can Do"

�� Original Meaning: A casual way to say "I can’t do that."
�� Why It’s Banned?

·Used in 19th-century America to mock Chinese immigrants’ English.

·Mimics stereotypical "broken English".
�� Replacement: "I can’t help" or "That’s not possible."

3️⃣ "Gone Walkabout"

�� Original Meaning: Someone is missing/unreachable.
�� Why It’s Banned?

Derives from colonial-era mockery of Aboriginal Australians’ cultural practices.

Trivializes sacred Indigenous traditions.
�� Replacement: "Absent" or "unavailable."

�� Why Is ABC Making These Changes?

✔ Internal racism audit found 119 out of 120 staff had witnessed or experienced racism.
✔ New 75-minute "Inclusive Culture" training for 4,000+ employees.
✔ Part of a broader push for diversity, including LGBTQ+ initiatives (e.g., Transgender Day of Remembrance events).

�� Mixed Reactions

✅ Supporters: Praising ABC for addressing historical racism.
❌ Critics: Worry about "over-policing language" affecting journalism.

"If we start banning common phrases, could it limit free expression?" — ABC insider

�� Global Context

Similar language reforms are happening worldwide:

·UK/US media dropping terms like "master bedroom" (ties to slavery).

·Tech companies replacing "blacklist/whitelist" with "blocklist/allowlist."

Final Thought

ABC’s move reflects Australia’s growing focus on inclusivity—but also sparks debate: Where should the line be drawn?

Your Take?
Should everyday phrases with racist roots be banned? Or is this "political correctness gone too far"?