I agree with the New York state legislation to initiate more gender-neutral language among its workers. This is because it provides an opportunity for female workers to feel included and appreciated (Spector & Barry, 2018). Dropping the norm of using languages defined by men positively improves the importance of women in workplaces.
The opposition of the legislation from Peter Kehoe is democratic but diminishes the need to have inclusive workplaces. This is the opposition that continues to create the custom that women should be subjects to men. Using terms such as ‘policeman’ significantly leaves out women and their importance at the workplace. This is because it recognizes men at the expense of women.
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Verbal language plays a vital role in shaping gender identities. This is because verbal language is sensitive and has a huge implication in the world in terms of views and persuasion. Generic language is very important in developing neutralism in gender. This is because a generic language has the ability to change an individual’s view.
The articles by Kleinman and Hofstadter are an eye-opener on the impacts of gendered language. They have changed my perception of the influence of language on race and gender issues. This is because they have offered deep reviews of how language impacts these great aspects of society. Kleinman contends that to attain gender balance; there is a need to remove barriers that have been created by sexist languages (Kleinman, 2002). Although many people do not recognize this as a barrier, it is influential to attaining gender balance. According to Hofstadter, the terms white and black should not be used as a tool for racism (Hofstadter, 1986). Instead, such words only clarify the identity of races, and thus, there is no need to replace them. This is because they will not make sense as initially thought.
The satirical piece in the writings of Hofstadter that substitute racial language changed my perception of racism. The analogy employed by Hofstadter is very insightful. This is because he employs essential words that do not offend the reader but open up their thoughts. The satire in the piece has significantly changed my earlier perception of racial language.
A change in language has great potential to impact other kinds of changes. This is because language as media of communication is used by different people in society. This is an implication that changing it will affect many people who use it. Therefore, the intended changes in gender balance can be attained if languages that portray women as lesser beings are dropped. This will, in turn, encourage a more neutral language that will bolster efforts for crucial changes.
References
Hofstadter, D. R. (1985). A person paper on purity in language. In D. R. Hofstadter, Metamagical themas: A questing for the essence of mind and pattern . Basic Books. Retrieved from http://www.cs.virginia.edu/~evans/cs655/readings/purity.html .
Kleinman, S. (2002). Why sexist language matters. Qualitative Sociology, 25 (2), 299-304. Retrieved from http://uncadvocatesformdphdwomeninscience.web.unc.edu/files/2014/03/Kleinman_QualitativeSociology_2002.pdf .
Spector, J., & Barry, W. J. (2018). ‘Fireman’ or ‘policeman’: New York may soon go to gender-neutral names. Poughkeepsie Journal . Retrieved from https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/news/local/2018/05/11/fireman-policeman-new-york-may-soon-go-gender-neutral-names/34805165/ .
