Re[2]: [dq-rules] Gender Neutral Writing

[Larry <Kurgan@fastmail.fm>]

Hey guys,


    I'm a writer, and I just wanted to toss in my two cents. There
    are few things as clear and obvious that point out a lousy
    editor or a bad writer than mixing genders in text, when
    referring to non-specific entities.
    
    The English language uses He, Him, and His as gender-neutral
    terms, and that's just the way it is. The people that complain
    that it is sexist only serve to show their own lack of education,
    and don't even have the sense to be embarrassed, and then there
    are those that "feel their pain" and try to acquiesce, and by
    doing so, are effectively doing the same thing in reverse, which
    actually becomes sexist and derogatory. It's ludicrous. The male
    word form is used for both specific individuals that are male, and
    for general, non-specific references. The feminine is only used
    for specific instances where a known female is the subject.

    If you want your book to look like it was self-published, mixing
    gender terms will do the trick, and you won't be taken seriously
    by many. I, and many others I know, will avoid purchasing a book
    when we spot this foolishness that creates bias where none existed
    (all in the name of eliminating it, ironically), because it shows
    a lack of professionalism, which weighs heavily on the impression
    of the likely contents, as well as the simple fact that it's
    incredibly annoying and detracts from the focus of the material.

    Never be afraid to stand firm in defense of the English language,
    especially when the illiterate attempt to mangle it further in the
    name of political correctness, while simultaneously trying to make
    you feel guilty for something you haven't done wrong. If you need
    proof or encouragement in this area, you merely have to remember
    that ebonics was actually taken seriously for a brief time in this
    country before everyone came to their senses.

 
Best regards,

   Larry                         mailto:Kurgan@Fastmail.fm