"That" versus "Who" when referring to people

Question

I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts on grammar rules being relaxed when used in the context of advertising copy/taglines. Our company came up with a tagline that intentionaly uses "that" instead of "who" because it creating symetry between the two parts of the tagline.

The tagline is two sentences. A generic noun starts the first sentence, while the word "people" starts the second.

[noun] that [verb]. People that [verb].

My question is that if it's OK to use "that" instead of "who" with the word "People"...Any thoughts?

Spacedunce-5 · Accepted Answer

In the interests of symmetry, okay.

I believe there are numerous precedents.

Yankee · Answer

I have never heard of any rule that prohibits the use of the relative pronoun "that" after the word "people". Some grammar books may state that "who" is often preferable, but I can't recall ever having seen any reputable grammar book claim that something such as the following sentence (taken from the NY Times) is grammatically incorrect:

"We still have two million more people that need to go through this process."

Spacedunce-5 · Answer

I believe the "that" used above indicates "million."

Anonymous · Answer

Great, thank you very much for your example!

Anonymous · Answer

I ABSOLUTELY HATE IT WHEN PEOPLE ARE REFERRED TO AS "THAT". AAAAAAAACK!

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousI ABSOLUTELY HATE IT WHEN PEOPLE ARE REFERRED TO AS "THAT". AACK!

At least it's not referring to *** as "which"! Our Father, which art in heaven, ...

CJ

"That" versus "Who" when referring to people

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