Aug. 6, 2002

I just finished reading your article Siamese Twins: Debate over a Ban from September of 2000. I'd like to thank you for writing such a fantastic essay.

It was well written, informative, while dealing with a somewhat confusing issue, the use of English language, in a very clear manner. Although I usually enjoy the articles on the CBC website this one was particularly impressive and obviously well researched.

Thank you for giving me such an example of how a well written essay should read. I'm certain I'll refer to it as a guide during the coming school year.

Kyle Magee

Aug. 6, 2002

Thoroughly enjoyed your article (Siamese Twins: Debate over a Ban) on this very sensitive subject. Well thought out.

Thank you.

Ted Mills
Toronto

Oct. 14, 2001

I'm enjoying this site! Third letter so far tonight.

In your "Siamese twins" column, you might also have mentioned:

• The origin of the term "Limeys" having come from the development of English ships carrying limes to feed sailors to combat disease (scurvy, if I recall correctly.)

• The people in the States who, because of uninformed opinion, complained about a city official who used the term "niggardly" in a speech. The official was fired, only to be promptly re-hired amidst much red-faced embarrassment once William Safire, Politically Incorrect's Bill Maher, and many others had taken the city to task and convinced them to get out a (gasp!) dictionary and educate themselves.

Again, love this site! Keep it up!

Rob N. Riley
Slocan Valley, B.C.

October 6, 2000

Why does the CBC tie itself in knots when ONE person complains about the term "Siamese twins", and at the same time refuse to heed the hundreds who complain about "fishers"?

Tim Lemieux
Toronto

October 2, 2000

In your piece on Siamese Twins you write: "… is censorship a sensible approach?"

It seems to me that this is a misuse of the word "censorship"

"Censorship" normally means the scrutiny of content by some senior authority external to the content provider and having the power to suppress or change material felt to be harmful or offensive.

The question of whether the CBC should say "Siamese" or "conjoined" twins is not a censorship issue; it is an issue of stylebook policy.

Some people may consider "Siamese twins" an ethnic slur; others may think that an insistence on "conjoined twins" is a timid surrender to political correctness. The choice is a matter of taste, judgment and sensitivity to be exercised by media people and organizations.

Our society values freedom of expression, but let's not cry "censorship" when the term does not apply.

Best wishes,
David Mayerovitch

Editor's Note: Although "censorship" has a broader connotative meaning, the complaint is valid. "Sanitize" (defined as removing potentially offensive material) might be a more accurate choice in this case. The column's title has been changed from "Is Censorship Sensible" to "Debate over a Ban".

October 2, 2000

I read and enjoyed your article "Siamese Twins: Debate over a Ban."

I think it's well researched and written.

I appreciate you work. Thank you.

Mr. Lee Faire
Japan

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