Biden's Foreign Policy: Pronouns Over National Security Priority?

Antony Blinken, Secretary of State, Focuses on Inclusive Language as the World Burns

In a surprising turn of events, United States foreign policy under President Biden's administration seems more focused on inclusive grammar than on looming global threats. Recent reports reveal that Secretary of State Antony Blinken has issued a memo warning his staff against using gendered language. Is this the right approach while Iran, Russia, China, and other international threats continue their escalation of aggression?

Inclusive Language over National Security?

Antony Blinken has urged Department of State employees to avoid terms deemed "problematic," such as "manpower," and to identify with preferred pronouns, such as "ze/zir." While inclusion is a fundamental value, should this be the primary focus of the world's most powerful nation's foreign policy?

Misaligned Priorities?

While the Middle East burns with conflicts like the growing Iranian influence, Russian aggression in Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas conflict, is it sensible for the Biden administration to divert resources and attention towards internal linguistic debates? How does this attention translate on the international stage?

Criticisms and Concerns

Criticism has not been lacking, with many questioning the appropriateness of this approach. Some argue that Blinken should focus on more pressing issues, such as containing the Iranian threat, deterring Russia from its aggressions, and providing strong support for Israel rather than diverting attention to pronoun issues.

A Balanced Approach?

While inclusion and sensitivity are important, should these concerns take center stage amid a global crisis? Is there room for a more balanced approach that addresses both internal inclusion needs and external threats to national security?

Ultimately, the lingering question is whether the United States' foreign policy can afford to prioritize grammar over security in an increasingly volatile and dangerous world. Meanwhile, the international community watches closely as these events unfold, questioning the true focus of the world's superpower in times of crisis.