To whom it may concern:
Of course, one is correct when stating that the male pronoun
has been traditionally used in English when the gender is
unknown. It is also true, however, that not all traditions
are good or unchanging. Slavery, for example, was an
institutionalized tradition. One might even argue that it
was a more inherent part of our society than the Modern
Language Association. The English language, more
specifically, is always changing. Please note that we speak
neither the English of England nor even the English of the
colonial United States. Simply, language evolves.
While adapting to gender neutral language may be awkward or
even difficult at times, it may also be worth it. Change is
scary, especially when one feels attacked. Weighing the
advantages of gender inclusivity versus the disadvantages of
awkwardness, however, inclusivity wins out in my mind. It
was difficult for me, and I often fail, but I have found
ways to be more inclusive of the female gender, my own.
Kellyx Nelson
(These opinions are mine, of course.)
|