The Scripps National Spelling Bee may be one of America’s most iconic traditions. Most recently, it ignited cultural and political firestorms when it added the word “womyn” to its regional-level wordlist. Scott Remer, a professional spelling bee tutor and author of “Words of Wisdom: Keys to Success in the Scripps National Spelling Bee,” has highlighted the competition’s significance as a stable platform for students amidst a tumultuous social climate.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee, which features participants from numerous countries such as Ghana, Canada, Jamaica, South Korea, China, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, has served as a unifying event for diverse communities. Spellers study words from all these languages—Latin, French, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and German. This international representation further highlights the importance of this event in fostering global cultural exchange and academic excellence.
The addition of “womyn,” a feminist alternative spelling for “women,” to the tournament’s official wordlist has caused significant outrage. Opponents claim it’s an example of the political correctness run amok that has no place in a children’s competition. Kansas State Representative Samantha Poetter-Parshall said that the use of this term stands for “woke, crazy indoctrination of our children.”
As many of you know, the Scripps National Spelling Bee has fallen on hard times in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic, which canceled many educational and extracurricular activities in 2020, led to the decision to cancel that year’s competition. As our iconic event continues on to 2024, the mood is still quite tentative. Contributing to this instability roiling the bee have been rule changes and the departure of regional sponsors.
Though they face such opposition, the South Asian community has remained unbeatable at the highest levels of the competition. Their steady success is a testament not only to cultural prioritization of education, but to the value of language proficiency placed within their communities.
What we learned through the National Spelling Bee is the power of joy. He underscored its power in uplifting our souls through these dark hours. He stressed that it provides students a rigorous environment to demonstrate their language abilities. This informal environment encourages bonding among participants of all walks of life.
I can’t help but feel that George Orwell’s warnings about language hold special significance in this context. He held that clear thinking is required for our political renewal. In the wake of World War I, he cautioned against language that evades truth. Orwell stated, “to think clearly is a necessary first step towards political regeneration.” He argued that language should be used as a tool for the expression of ideas, not to hide or prevent thought.
“Language as an instrument for expressing and not for concealing or preventing thought.” – George Orwell
Controversies have erupted over the use of terms such as “womyn” to promote inclusive educational environments. These debates are part of a national debate about language, culture, and identity. As participants engage in spelling competitions that often serve as a microcosm of larger cultural discussions, the implications of such developments extend beyond the classroom.