Friday, July 3, 2020

The U.N. Cautions Everyone To Use Gender-Neutral Language


              Recently, the United Nations tweeted: ”What you say matters. Help create a more equal world by using gender-neutral language if you’re unsure about someone’s gender or are referring to a group.” Thank goodness the U.N. believes words matter. I’d hate to think I was the only one who thinks highly of language. The august body cautioned people to choose their words carefully in consideration of identity politics and to ensure acceptance in a “more equal world.” 

              The tweet contained specific examples and helpfully recommended using “spouse” instead of “wife” or “husband,” “owner” in place of “landlord,” “family name” in lieu of “maiden name,” etc., etc. How about “significant gender-neutral entity” in place of the Lord?

              Though the U.N.’s troops have frequently spent more time raping and pillaging those they were sent to protect than actually protecting them from something, it is nice that perhaps the blue helmets will now honor their preferred pronouns while doing so.

              The tweet was generated by U.N. Women, a sub-entity of the United Nations that purports to be a “global champion for women and girls,” and that claims to have been established to “accelerate progress on meeting [women and girls’] needs worldwide.” UNW is ostensibly “dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.”

              I wonder how often a representative from Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia or Yemen sits in the group’s Executive Director chair?


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