The 69 Words Banned By General Motors
Summary
This episode explores the GM "Switchgate" scandal, where engineers used graphic terms like "death trap" and "genocide" to describe faulty ignition switches that caused fatalities. To avoid regulatory scrutiny, management banned 69 "judgment words" and mandated euphemisms like "below specification," illustrating a culture of linguistic avoidance. The hosts discuss how this "wankergerialism" attempts to fix problems by changing language rather than addressing reality, ultimately leading to a massive recall and fine after a decade of cover-up.
Topics discussed
Announcement of new live show 'Hard Stop'
Ticket pre-sale details and listener reactions
Introduction and preview of the GM scandal
Sponsor read: Citizens Bank
Background on the faulty ignition switch
Discussion on the naming convention of scandals
GM's internal awareness and stakeholder pressure
The strategy of redefining success through language
Introduction to the list of banned 'judgment words'
Reviewing the most graphic banned words
Banned words referencing specific cars and figures
The absurdity of banning the word 'problem'
Marketing constraints and the ban on 'never'
Sponsor read: Ashby
Analysis of the slide's poor design choices
Critique of the Microsoft WordArt usage
Comedy skit: Do say, don't say alternatives
Corporate culture and the struggle with reality
Proposing and discussing the word 'Wankergerialism'
Sponsor reads: Citizens and Whole Foods
The aftermath: NHTSA recall and fines
Reading the full list of 69 banned words
Final sponsor reads and sign-off
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