AP says not to refer to 'the' French because it is 'dehumanizing'

The Associated Press tweeted an update to its style guide on Thursday that warns writers not to use "dehumanizing 'the' labels" in front of groups. Examples given by the outlet included "the poor," "the mentally ill," and "the French."

The tweet from the AP Stylebook read, "We recommend avoiding general and often dehumanizing 'the' labels such as the poor, the mentally ill, the French, the disabled, the college-educated. Instead, use wording such as people with mental illnesses. And use these descriptions only when clearly relevant."

French politician and former French presidential candidate Eric Zemmour responded to the AP's guidance, writing, "We are the French."

It is not particularly clear why AP decided to go after the French in their tweet. Users were both entertained and confused by the tweet.

"Aren’t you THE Associated Press?" one user pointed out. 

One user, Kristen Mag, was quick to point out that the Associated Press had previously frivolously used the term "the unvaccinated" to describe people who have not received a Covid-19 vaccine.

"Oh you mean like how you dehumanize "the unvaccinated" too?" the tweet reads.

Twitter users gave suggestions for what to use in place of "the French," including "People of French experience," and, using the AP's example of "people with mental illness," "people with Frenchness"