Klarinet Archive - Posting 000158.txt from 2008/07

From: "Dee Flint" <deeflint01@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl]"man" was Conn-Selmer Relocates
Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:27:46 -0400


----- Original Message -----
From: "Anne Bell" <bell@-----.net>
To: <klarinet@-----.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2008 1:08 PM
Subject: Re: [kl]"man" was Conn-Selmer Relocates

> Mmmm..... but I don't think that carries. I'm sure there are some word
> lovers who can find examples BUT- have you ever heard of a female
> dominated job referred to in that way- nurseman, nannyman, knitterman
> (.... I do think early knitting guilds were male dominated though). I also
> doubt so many men would be thrilled to be referred to as a woman in their
> job title. Maybe that's one reason that titles like barmaid, milkmaid
> etc... aren't in common current usage.
> I was in the Navy and for a time was referred to as a "Fireman" being
> that it is the name of the rank I really didn't give it a second thought.
> Now I guess I consider it sort of a relic- but there was certainly open
> animosity concerning my non"MAN"ness. I consider it patronizing to be told
> that I should just take the word in a gender neutral manner and not worry
> about it. Here's an explanation of subtle sexism:
>
> "...subtle sexism represents unequal and unfair treatment of
> women that is not recognized by many people because
> it is perceived to be normative, and therefore
> does not appear unusual."
>
> From: Swim, J. K., et. al., Understanding Subtle Sexism: Detection and
> Use of Sexist Language <javascript: void 0>. Sex Roles v. 51 no. 3/4
> (August 2004) p. 117-28
>
> One of the problems is that (as another research study supports) people
> tend to continue to associate -man or -men with MAN or MEN not as a
> universal "one." So people hearing "chairman" etc.... actually envision a
> man in that role. The only people who would envision someone like Crystal
> after hearing "AIRMAN" would be ones who have actually known a female
> Airman (or have been following this conversation). If the term were really
> gender neutral that wouldn't be the case.
>
> BTW- I'm NOT suggesting that Joe is sexist!
>
> Take Care,
> Anne

I really don't agree but even if you are right, "-person" is a poor choice
of suffix. It's too awkward and draws attention away from the important
part of the word. I.e. in chairman, the position of holding the chair is
the important element in the word.

Besides, what are we going to do about the words "woman" and "female"?

Dee Flint

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