Old guys: Man up and modernize
During a recent “Jim Franklin Live” show on KMJ radio, Princeton University’s progressive attempt to implement and foster gender-neutral, inclusive language was referred to with disbelief and derision by the host.
In fact, conventional gender-specific terms such as mankind, manpower, forefathers, man made and “he” for the creator, though widely used and seemingly innocuous, have subtle and not-so-subtle implications impeding the societal status and advancement of women.
If the tables were turned, I wonder how host Franklin and his male cohorts would react to “womankind,” “woman power,” “foremothers,” “woman made” and “she” as a revered deity.
To those reactionaries who still embrace and revere their “old guard” position: “Man up” and join the 21st century!
Paula Ann Costis, Fresno
This story was originally published August 23, 2016 at 1:34 PM with the headline "Old guys: Man up and modernize."