A Simple Way to Eliminate Sexism
By the elimination of discriminatory terms from our language — is it possible?
Language is not merely a tool for communication; Sapir-Whorf hypothesis¹ states that individuals’ values and behaviours are determined by the language they use. In a broader sense, the values of the world can be altered by a change in the use of language. Social issues are often triggered by conflicts of values between individuals.² In the case of sexism, the differences in the values of men and women contribute to it. I’m going to explore the possibility that gender discrimination can be reduced if sexist languages are eliminated. In this context, sexist languages refer to words and phrases that exclude either sex or suggests that one gender is superior to the other.³ I’ll minimise the perceived difference between the two sexes and by the reduction of gender stereotyping.
The first supporting thought that comes to my mind is the removal of sexist languages can ease gender discrimination is that it can lessen the perceived difference between sexes. It is undeniable that men and women are different. Sexist languages intensify the perceived discrepancy between genders. Take pejorative terms as example, they are not uncommon in modern languages, women are often dehumanized by the terms that refer to them. The widespread WOMEN AS DESSERT…
