Driving without a valid ticket is becoming the new way to make clear in politically correct language that there would be a racist connotation to the old verb. In addition to Germany, neighboring Austria is also tackling the language battle. Railway operator ÖBB will also ban the term fare fare. Many older people find the accusation of discrimination exaggerated. Proponents believe that the term 'fare fare' would stigmatize and discriminate. 

“De Lijn has since informed our editorial team whether it would like to continue to use the term 'fare fare', now that other public transport companies indicate that they are avoiding the term.”

travel without paying

The Brussels STIB also wants to avoid the term from now on, because it could be sensitive to people. The term "fare fare” is still in use at De Lijn, but no longer at the NMBS and STIB. The obligation to carry a valid ticket sounds better and does not cause the association of black with something negative.

As for the origin of the word, "Schwarzfahren" probably has little to do with skin color. In German media, the linguist Eric Fu verklaart states that the term comes from the Yiddish "shvarts", meaning "poor". In that respect, "Schwarzfahren" is therefore about people who are too poor to buy a ticket. Many words initially had different meanings, but language is in constant change.

third gender

Lufthansa also announced that it would no longer call out 'ladies and gentlemen'. This statement can also cause problems for people of the third sex. The term third gender is used, among other things, for people who do not consider themselves to be specifically male or female, or who are not regarded as such by others. Germany was the first to introduce a “third gender” on birth certificates. In doing so, the country became a pioneer in Europe in the recognition of intersex people. In addition to “female” or “masculine” it is now possible to mention “diverse” on the document.

Also read: Financial support for public transport also in 2022

'Anyone who drives farewell must have balls', the Berlin transport company BVG previously reported provocatively.
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