A borough council has banned the term “brainstorming” – and replaced it with “THOUGHT SHOWERS”.
Bosses fear the phrase to describe idea sessions may offend epileptics or the mentally ill. Staff have been sent memos about the change – and even sent on training courses. But charities representing epileptics have branded the move political correctness gone mad.
Margaret Thomas, of the National Society for Epilepsy, said: “Brainstorming is a clear and descriptive phrase. “Alternatives such as ‘thought shower’ or ‘blue-sky thinking’ are ambiguous to say the least.
“Any implication that the word ‘brainstorming’ is offensive to epileptics takes political correctness too far.”
Epilepsy causes seizures, like a “storm” of activity in the brain.
Richard Colwill, of mental health charity SANE, said: “This ban goes too far. Few would be genuinely offended by the word ‘brainstorming’ in the context of council meetings.”
An insider at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in Kent said: “No one took it seriously at first, but they’re certainly keen to wipe out the word once and for all.” A spokesman said: “We take diversity awareness very seriously. The majority of staff have taken part in training and been asked to use the term ‘thought showers’.”