People on the blog seem to be taking all sorts of different
sides. I mostly agree with the book that nonsexist language is the best
language to use in a speech. Everyone has a different opinion like in the
flickr blog some say that they don’t mind and some say that some language is
sexist compared to the word used for the male counterpart. I agree with both we
all develop the English language a little differently than others. For
instance, a lot of us has heard someone used the word stud but do those people
actually know that the word is for a strong male horse used to breed with the
other horses. Some of us develop using these words without knowing the actual
meaning and so they become part of our common language but not for us all. This
is why some language could be considered sexist to some and not to others because
their use to it. Using nonsexist language would be ideal because it doesn’t
hurt both sides of the party. I still agree that women usually get the worse of
the name calling though.
I had a hard time drawing a direct connection to the blog and the book information. The blog is over 5 years old. not that a lot has really changed since then, but our society continues to evolve. I personally do not have a problem with people refering to me as "whatever". I do not define myself by a word. It's kind of hard to offend me. usually, if you are smart enough to offend me, you're too smart to use lazy language. you'd be a little more sophisticated.
ReplyDeleteAs to sexist language in the book, yeah, policeman and fireman are terms of the past, but, is this really a big deal to anyone? maybe it is and maybe it's good that for the most part we are really getting away from it. Personally, I think some people get to wrapped up in the simple things. But, maybe I'm the simple one.
But Marion, I wanted to be a stud! Just kidding! That was funny, thanks for sharing the origin of that word. I agree that it would be best to use nonsexist language, but that will probably take a long time, especially if people aren't educated on this issue. Our textbook mentioned using gender-neutral terms and titles such as "doctor" or "humankind" instead of "female doctor" and "mankind," respectively, but lots of people I know still want to use terms such as these because they don't care or have certain traditional beliefs (e.g. not wanting women to become professionals, only having men as firefighters, etc.). And unfortunately, I think you're right that women get the worst of the name-calling.
ReplyDeleteIt is so true what you said about how language may be offensive to some and not to others. Everyone hears and interprets language differently. As the text says there is sometimes a big difference between denotative and connotative meanings of words and it varies from person to person. I also agree with you that women tend to get the worst of it when it comes to offensive language. It is true when you say that we all develop our understanding of the English language differently, which is why I think that it is so important for everyone to be conscious of how they speak because it heavily influences the next generation. If everyone makes an effort to eliminate bias and sexism in the language that they use, over time we can reduce and eventually eliminate the sexism that is inherent within the English language. Some people may not mind, but enough people do that it is important for us all to make a change.
ReplyDelete