On Wed, 30 Oct 1996, Larisa Overmier wrote:

> To Richard Perry and Henry Grunder:
> In response to your "witty" thoughts on this topic
>
> >>And yes, I know, this is all light and in good fun, not a >>serious
> disagreement . . .
>
> As a woman, this is a serious issue to me because it represents the subtle
> effect of sexism and the old boy's network in museums. I have frequently
> received letters addressed Gentlemen and am always offended by this.
> Addressing letters as such assumes that women do not hold important positions
> within museums and devalues their important role in the field. I was taught
> to always address letters to: Ladies and Gentlemen or To Whom It May Concern.
> I think these are appropriate, avoid making any kinds of assumptions, and are
> effective in getting the point across.

     As a WMASP I've gotten used (and pretty much indifferent) to being
bashed and brashed by people who make assumptions based on my sex and
color (and age and weight). In fact, like many women, I have developed the
strategy of profiting from these assumptions by letting people joust with
their own reflections while I take care of business. But I'm sure that if
you really feel down, everybody else looks like up to you.

     I think that using "Gentlemen" as a salutation is harmless, and
suggest that anyone who gets really uptight about it should look inward
rather than outward for the source of distress.

     Still, when writing to persons unknown, I use "Gentlepersons" as the
salutation. I think it sounds silly, but I'm trying to be a gentleman.

     Hank Burchard * <[log in to unmask]> * Washington DC | USA