“Midget” is another word that seems likely to be banned --- at least by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in connection with raisins, notes Grumpy Editor.
It would join forbidden words (in California): alien, husband, wife.
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking comments on “modifying the raisin standards to remove the term midget,” that has been used to describe small-size California raisins for 37 years.
The proposed action gets applause from Little People of America which, for years, has been pushing to drop use of midget.
The LPA, a nonprofit organization that provides support and information to people of short stature and their families, long has described the word midget as offensive. Four years ago it wanted the Federal Communications Commission to fine TV and radio stations that allow the word to be broadcast on public airwaves.
Elimination of midget by the USDA would pose problems for companies that deal in dried fruit, such as Nuts.com, Cranford, N.J.
Its website proclaims: “Our midget raisins are the perfect size for baking! Add these sweet mini raisins to oatmeal cookies, scones, bread, or any baked treats your heart desires."
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