Gender neutral language: Difference between revisions
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'''Gender-neutral language''', also called '''gender-inclusive language''', is the practice of using words that don't give an idea of someone being female or male. For example, the word "fireman" gives the idea that a person in that work is male. An offer for a job as a "cleaning lady" gives the idea that only a woman should do the job. The gender-neutral alternatives are to say "fire fighter" and "janitor," respectively. Then it is easier to see that these jobs can be done by a person of any gender. Gender-neutral language is important in [[feminism]], because changing the way that people talk can help make [[sexism|sexist]] ideas less common. For example, the sexist idea that some jobs should only be done by people of certain genders. | '''Gender-neutral language''', also called '''gender-inclusive language''', is the practice of using words that don't give an idea of someone being female or male. For example, the word "fireman" gives the idea that a person in that work is male. An offer for a job as a "cleaning lady" gives the idea that only a woman should do the job. The gender-neutral alternatives are to say "fire fighter" and "janitor," respectively. Then it is easier to see that these jobs can be done by a person of any gender. Gender-neutral language is important in [[feminism]], because changing the way that people talk can help make [[sexism|sexist]] ideas less common. For example, the sexist idea that some jobs should only be done by people of certain genders. | ||
Gender-neutral language is also important to people who have [[Nonbinary gender|non-binary gender identities]]. For one reason, this kind of talk helps fight against [[nonbinary erasure]], which is the common but wrong and sexist idea that there are only two genders. Since gender-neutral language doesn't give the idea that a person is male or female, it can also apply to people who identify as other genders, outside of the [[Gender binary|gender binary]]. Non-binary people can ask to be talked about in this way. | Gender-neutral language is also important to many people who have [[Nonbinary gender|non-binary gender identities]]. For one reason, this kind of talk helps fight against [[nonbinary erasure]], which is the common but wrong and sexist idea that there are only two genders. Since gender-neutral language doesn't give the idea that a person is male or female, it can also apply to people who identify as other genders, outside of the [[Gender binary|gender binary]]. Non-binary people can ask to be talked about in this way. | ||
==Chinese== | ==Chinese== | ||