CN: G-17

Name: Clariza Mae N. Sevilla

Grade and Section: 12-Simplicity

Topic: Gender–Fair Use of Language

Issue: Word choices often reflect unconscious assumptions about gender roles.
Speakers and writers should consider this when engaging in communication
activities. The terms “men, he,” and the like are often used for both genders
or in cases when the gender is unknown.
Stand: Reevaluation of what is considered “Gender-Fair Language”
Claim: Not all situations require the need for Gender-Fair Language
Thesis Statement: It is common fact that “millennials” are trying to stop being governed
under a patriarchal society–especially in terms of language and word choice.
However, some words are easily understood and quicker to use compared to
having to think about the appropriate gender-fair language.
Essay:
It is without question that the generic terms “he,” and “man,” are most often used in
the context of unknown genders especially in the creation of rules. Examples include, “a
student is liable for his own actions,” and “mankind has evolved for centuries.” At
present, efforts have been made to divert people’s use of this kind of patriarchal
language, in favor of more “gender-friendly” or “gender-neutral” language.
Although the efforts are made with good intentions, it brings about a drastic change
to the commonly used words by people in day-to-day activities. It is understood that
words like “nurse,” and “stewardess” are attributed to females while words like “doctor,”
and “pilot” are attributed to males. And that kind gender stereotype should be stopped.
However, expressions like “the best man for the job” are just as they are: expressions.
There are terms that are simply easier to understand and easier to write without the
thought of using gender-free language above its head. Writers shouldn’t be limited to
strictly using this kind of language–they have a poetic license for a reason and their
writing can only go so far if it is limited to a kind of language or mode of speaking. The
articles talked about letting writers and speakers use this kind of language (non-gender-
biased) but that only creates a negative impact on their work.
To sum it all up, there needs to be some reevaluations for this “Gender-Fair
Language” to make a positive effect on society. It would do us no good to implement
this, only for it to cause outcries about “freedom of expression.”