Sexism

I would like to dispel the notion that women are the ones that are primarily
affected by sexism. The fact of the matter is this: sexism is an attack on everyone.

Sexism exists everywhere. It is heard on the way we speak, read on the words
we write, and seen at the images we create and the way we act. Yes, women aren’t just
the ones that are impacted but men as well.

Sexism has been with us since time immemorial. It is around us from childhood
with boys encouraged to run, jump, and be active and girls be socialized into passive
pleasing ladylike behavior. It is present each time a sports woman is portrayed as a wife
and mother or asked to confirm to a girly, sexy stereotype and her sports achievements
are downplayed. It exists when men who look after their children or do common female
tasks such as laundry are ridiculed.

Sexism is a dangerous thing. It is a very discriminating ideology based wholly on

the belief the belief that one sex is superior to another. Yes, sexism is discriminatory,
prejudiced, and stereotypically based on gender. It can lead to societies that are not
safe for everyone to thrive with no space for diverse talents or leadership. At worst, it
creates a climate that leads to violence and murder. And that is why we must take a
stand against it.

Gender-fair language

In our ever-evolving society, it is important for us to recognize and respect

change in the meaning and acceptability of words. This is where Gender-fair language
comes into use. Gender-fair language is defined as language that avoids bias toward a
particular sex or gender and therefore is less likely to convey stereotypes.

Gender-fair language enable us to represent with fairness the gender identified in

many words. An example is the usage of a first or second perspective: i.e. “You should
take your completed registration form to the clerk's window and pay your license fee. “,
instead of “The driver should take his completed registration form to the clerk's window
and pay his license fee.” It is also put to use when we eliminate the generic use of He,
His, or Him (unless the antecedent is obviously male) and use plural nouns instead.
Example: Traditional: The officer uses his manual as his guide. Suggested: The officers
use their manual as their guide.

Gender-fair language minimizes unnecessary concern about gender in our

subject matter, allowing us to focus on what people do rather than on which sex they
happen to be. The neutralization of gender in the language that we speak is ever more
important now since the roles of men and women in our society is changing.
 As a criminology student as well as an aspiring law enforcer, I think it is high time
that we erase the notions on policewomen. One such notion is that policewomen are
merely restricted into office work, this despite the fact that many female police
officers are now playing key roles in the traditionally male-heavy hierarchy which is the
Philippine National Police. With Gender-fair language, I think we can change that
general perception.

Gender-neutral language

What is the importance of Gender-Neutral Language? Well, it helps us avoid

gender stereotyping and also promote gender equality. It also enables to achieve
gender equality as well as promote social change.

An example of Gender-neutral language is the word server. By using server

instead of waiter or waitress, we include a people of all genders. That’s how inclusive it
is. Other such examples are the word firefighter instead of fireman, or mail carrier
instead of mailman. The word fireman is gendered as it has ‘man’ in it. As such, it fails
to recognize the women who are in these very occupations. By using the Gender-
neutral word firefighter, it is not identified to a specific gender.

With growing awareness, people are moving away from gendered terms and
embracing gender-neutral language especially now that women are able to hold
positions that are erstwhile perceived to be exclusive only for men. Yes, it is important
to use gender-neutral terms whenever we are referring to something that includes both
men and women or could be done by either a man or a woman because it is the most
realistic and accurate description.