'Earthling' as a word can now be capitalized. Humanity rejoices.

That's right, Martians. We're owed respect now.

The Washington Post can be thanked for clarifying one of the great injustices to humankind in, truly, the entire galaxy.

Sarah Kaplan, a science writer for the Post, was writing a story on black holes and E/earthlings, and wasn't sure what the proper spelling was--'Earthling' or 'earthling.' The problem? The dictionary the newspaper was using, a Merriam-Webster version (those rapscallions again), claimed a lowercase version was to be used. Kaplan wondered, though, why are Klingons, Vulcans, Wookies, and Martians all capitalized, but earthlings get the uppercase shaft? Why the blatant disrespect??

Post science editor Laura Helmuth reached out to Merriam-Webster via Twitter to ask what's up with subjugating humanity to submissive wording:

Question for @MerriamWebster from @WashingtonPost science desk: Why is earthling lowercase but Martian capitalized? Thanks! @SarahKaplan48

— Laura Helmuth (@laurahelmuth) April 5, 2017

The dictionary folks replied quickly, saying they were conferring...and went silent for hours. Kaplan stayed glued to her computer wondering the outcome.

After minutes turned into hours, Merriam-Webster decided to bestow honor upon the human race.

In fact, 'Earthling' now merits inclusion, at least as a variant spelling. We've made a note to update the entry. 🌎👽👍 @laurahelmuth

— Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) April 5, 2017

There we have it. Humanity has risen in status. We haven't been this united as a species since we all came together to admit Kanye lost his cool three years ago.