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A viral clip of the Canadian prime minister appearing to correct a woman's use of "mankind" is fake news.
Justin Trudeau is getting flak for his use of "peoplekind."
In a clip that went viral, the prime minister of Canada is perceived to be correcting a woman at a Q&A Thursday for using "mankind," explaining that the other term is "more inclusive."
The woman, a member of the World Mission Society Church of God, had asked Trudeau whether he would "look into" easing the country's restrictions on volunteer work by religious organizations, as "maternal love is the love that's going to change the future of mankind."
At this point, Trudeau interrupted. "We like to say peoplekind, not necessarily mankind, 'cause it's more inclusive," he said.
\u201c\u201cWe like to say peoplekind, not necessarily mankind.\u201d\u201d— Stefan Molyneux, MA (@Stefan Molyneux, MA) 1517884788
The remark was widely shared on social media. Negative responses, primarily from conservatives, included jokes and criticisms of Trudeau being too politically correct and grammatically incorrect.
Some said he is also guilty of "mansplaining," and even that he is now the "Kim Kardashian of political leaders." "Snowflakes" -- a term used to criticize liberals for being too sensitive -- was also mentioned by Piers Morgan.
\u201cJustin Trudeau lands on the moon: \u201cThat\u2019s one small step for people, one giant leap for #peoplekind.\u201d\u201d— J.J. McCullough (@J.J. McCullough) 1517865604
\u201cFor the sake of 'peoplekind', please learn these new politically correct terms so Justin Trudeau doesn't scold you #cdnpoli\u201d— Ontario Proud (@Ontario Proud) 1517892227
\u201cJustin Trudeau is the Kim Kardashian of political leaders...a Zoolander character whose really, really ridiculously good looks no longer distract from his appalling judgment or capacity for asinine comment.\nhttps://t.co/d1ps8e34iJ\u201d— Rita Panahi (@Rita Panahi) 1517833416
\u201c*NEW COLUMN*\nIf @JustinTrudeau has his way, Neil Armstrong's moon speech will have to be expunged from history in case it offends snowflakes. \n https://t.co/pBI2WdIMeB #peoplekind\u201d— Piers Morgan (@Piers Morgan) 1517939696
\u201c#DoucheBagKind https://t.co/jJVBGU7FNS\u201d— James Woods (@James Woods) 1517897126
However, the viral clip is taken out of context. Prior to her question, the young woman praised Trudeau for filling his cabinet with women, "because you've realized the ability and power that women actually possess."
She went on to say that recognizing female leaders is a step "that every country needs." This reflects the beliefs of her religion, which honors "the female aspect of God, which is God the mother," as opposed to the patriarchal view of "God the father" preached by most of Christianity.
So when Trudeau interjected with "peoplekind," he was responding to the woman's previous prayers for a more egalitarian society. The questioner herself thanked Trudeau in the meeting.
"There you go, exactly. Yes, thank you," the woman responded, as the audience applauded.
The attempt to frame Trudeau as a sexist snowflake was noted on social media by Toronto Star reporter Daniel Dale, who posted a transcript of the event to stop the "fake news."
\u201cThe US-right-wing pile-on re Trudeau's "peoplekind" is pretty misleading. \n\nHe was lightly ribbing a woman who was rambling about the power of women, "God the Mother," and how the world needs womanly love. Fox excluded her response to him: "There you go, exactly. Yes. Thank you."\u201d— Daniel Dale (@Daniel Dale) 1517929913
In real news, the lyrics ofCanada's national anthem, "O Canada," were altered this week to be more gender-inclusive. The phrase "in all thy sons command" is now "in all of us command."
