Sexist Language

[The Watcher]

Ok, I have allots of questions for you folks, so bear with me.

Is the term mail carrier rather than mailman silly and awkward, or does the change help break down gender stereotypes?
You all have seen people talk about "evolution of man" our "forefathers", Does it seem harmless or sexist to talk about "the evolution of man," our "forefathers," "brotherhood," and the "chairman," of the board?

Moreover, what about the generic use of the masculine pronoun he to refer to all human beings?
Is it ok to say that "a doctor must be trained if he is to be competent?

Most people feel strongly about this issue and usage of language in such way.
Does the language influence the way we think about men and women?

What do you think?


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*V~V~V*He came, He saw, He conquered*V~V~V*

[This message has been edited by The Watcher (edited October 08, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by The Watcher (edited October 08, 2000).]

[~Amber~]

well historically we have lived in a patriarchal society so the language of the day reflects that..

[Roman]

Intersting topic.

>> Is the term mail carrier rather than mailman silly and awkward, or does the change help break down gender stereotypes?

I don't find it silly and awkward at all. I think the change itself represents in practise the acknowledgement of the due gender equality that must exist on all social basis/levels. If by 'gender stereotype' you mean the old notion that, say, a woman is not a fitting candidate to carry mail compared to a man then yes, it does help break down the gender stereotypes as people get more used to such genderless terms and in turn even start thinking in those terms.

>> You all have seen people talk about "evolution of man" our "forefathers", Does it seem harmless or sexist to talk about "the evolution of man," our "forefathers," "brotherhood," and the "chairman," of the board?

Interstingly, I have noticed that for most of the temporal denotations like 'evolution of man' or 'forefathers' etc, the convention is still male oriented. However, for other things like 'chairman', they do in fact use 'chairperson' in a woman's case. And for 'brotherhood', they have 'sisterhood'.

>> Moreover, what about the generic use of the masculine pronoun he to refer to all human beings?
Is it ok to say that "a doctor must be trained if he is to be competent?

It is true that many times 'he' is still used in such case but using the phrase 'he or she' instead is quite common these days.

Is it Ok? Well, it depends on the person, preference, and the occasion I guess. It is also sort of understandable that 'he or she' is a little stretch of tongue (specially if you need to use possessive forms 'his or her' etc in the same sentence) so sometimes people just casually and harmlessly use the conventional pronoun, 'he', or even just 'she' many times.

While the use of 'he' may still be understandable, the trend is to be 'politically correct' by using 'he or she'.

>> Does the language influence the way we think about men and women?

Yes it does. When you choose your words carefully in order to be acceptable and not offend someone then that itself means that you are thinking differently than what it used to be.


[This message has been edited by Roman (edited October 08, 2000).]

[kaka malang]

Well the world's societies as a whole is just starting to acknowledge the fact that women are also capable of having careers and to be recognized as a professional. Not because women have not reigned high in any thing before, but because of out right ignorance and denial caused by the crumbling foundation of our teachings. It will take time, but the dark clouds of ignorance will blow clear.

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oİş°¨¨°şİo LiFe Is An IllUsIoN aNd ReAliTy iS a FiGmEnT oF tHe iMaGiNaIiOn oİş°¨¨°şİo

[The Watcher]

Roman, thanks for the insight.

"Man" and "he" and other masculine words, even when used generically, lead people to think of men. Evidently, the use of generic masuline terms is seen as exclusive, not inclusive, of the women.

Kaka Malang, off course women are capable of doing the things as men can. Point is that use of language(he, mail-MAN, chair-MAN, etc. etc.) to refer to all humans in on context: Is it sexist or not?

I think, language does make it easier to conceptualize the world in someways rather than others. The use of "sexist words" is one practical implication of how language influences the way we think, but there are other implications too. People in different societies speak difference languages and they also interpret events and thoughts through different lenses. Which can sometimes result in misunderstanding.




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*V~V~V*He came, He saw, He conquered*V~V~V*

[kaka malang]

The Watcher if you read my post carefully, i answered your question, ok well if it makes you happy i will translate what i said in my post, in much easier to understand format for you.

Yes i think its sexist, but in due course it will change.

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oİş°¨¨°şİo LiFe Is An IllUsIoN aNd ReAliTy iS a FiGmEnT oF tHe iMaGiNaIiOn oİş°¨¨°şİo

[Rudra]

I think that as long as we still refer to the great one in the blue yonder as "He" , the other words dont really matter much

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Religion was created by man.....but dont forget......man was created by God.... Allah Ho Akhbar, Halleluiah, Jay Dev..... all are salutations to the Great One....