01-05-2018, 12:37 AM
Thank-you to Kevin for all the updates.
I would like ask one thing of everyone though.
In the spirit of equity please do not to refer to the LRVs, or any inanimate object, as “her” or “she,” and instead choose a gender-neutral pronoun such as “it” or “they.”
Using “her” or “she” is oppressive and implies that women in general are not people, but objects to be owned, manipulated, and disposed of like objects, and are somehow inferior to men. Equating women with objects literally objectifies strips them of their humanity and implies dispensability. Furthermore, there is an assertion of power in the use of a female pronoun for an object. Using a female pronoun asserts dominance over the object, therefore dominance over women, and equating inferiority with the female gender.
Moreover, This underlying message in our language is reflective of how our society treats women. Our language clearly reflects a larger issue. Women are seen as objects to be controlled, bought, driven, or used.
Finally, proper modern English does not assign gender to inanimate objects (MLA, AP, Chicago, etc.)
It may seem innocent, but language matters, and it is important to be an ally and recognize that patriarchy is so deeply rooted and commonplace in our language that it contributes to asserting dominance of one gender over another (MANager, fireMAN, chairMAN, MANkind, MANpower, dissemination, etc.).
Thank-you!
I would like ask one thing of everyone though.
In the spirit of equity please do not to refer to the LRVs, or any inanimate object, as “her” or “she,” and instead choose a gender-neutral pronoun such as “it” or “they.”
Using “her” or “she” is oppressive and implies that women in general are not people, but objects to be owned, manipulated, and disposed of like objects, and are somehow inferior to men. Equating women with objects literally objectifies strips them of their humanity and implies dispensability. Furthermore, there is an assertion of power in the use of a female pronoun for an object. Using a female pronoun asserts dominance over the object, therefore dominance over women, and equating inferiority with the female gender.
Moreover, This underlying message in our language is reflective of how our society treats women. Our language clearly reflects a larger issue. Women are seen as objects to be controlled, bought, driven, or used.
Finally, proper modern English does not assign gender to inanimate objects (MLA, AP, Chicago, etc.)
It may seem innocent, but language matters, and it is important to be an ally and recognize that patriarchy is so deeply rooted and commonplace in our language that it contributes to asserting dominance of one gender over another (MANager, fireMAN, chairMAN, MANkind, MANpower, dissemination, etc.).
Thank-you!
Everyone move to the back of the bus and we all get home faster.