Friday, March 3, 2017

"University bans phrases such as 'mankind' and 'gentleman's agreement' in favour of gender-neutral terms"

Via Reddit: Cardiff Metropolitan University’s revised code of practice states more appropriate terms should be used where possible, adding that students should not allow their “cultural background” to affect their choice of words on campus.
“Forefathers”, “mankind” and “sportsmanship” are also on the list of 34 words and phrases to be avoided as part of efforts to “embrace cultural diversity” by the university.
Students and staff could face disciplinary procedures if they fail to adhere to the language policy, but some have accused Cardiff Metropolitan of restricting their free speech, labelling the policy an “insulting” attempt to dictate their choice of words.
Dr Joanna Williams, an academic freedom advocate and University of Kent lecturer, told The Telegraph the ban was “unnecessary”.

“The idea that in a university people need to be dictated to in this way is really insulting to students and academics, we should be able to cope with words.
“These words have evolved over a long period of time and they don’t have sexist associations.”
While browsing recommended YouTube videos, I came across an interesting professor talk on the subject of gender neutrality, identity, respect etc.

4 comments:

edutcher said...

"The idea that in a university people need to be dictated to in this way is really insulting"

That's the whole idea, sweetie. They want to turn you into obedient children.

And, if you don't, zey haf vays uff making you.

Evi L. Bloggerlady said...

I am okay with this provided it is said only in Welch. Otherwise, GFY.

Evi L. Bloggerlady said...

My GFY is directed at who ever thought this PC crap up. They can call up their PC Pokémon and I will counter with a Tom Jones Pokémon

rhhardin said...

Pronouns linguistically are a closed class, meaning that new ones don't get added.

Another such class is prepositions.

Nobody discovers a new preposition. We use the old ones with new objects and new verbs, but keep the same prepositions. Google phrasal verbs.

The guy is doing the absurd sociology of it all, but linguistically speaking it's nonsense too.