Appropriate Language

It was very interesting learning about Chapter 11 in “When Words Collide. I feel like this is an interesting topic, because most writers aren’t trying to be sexist when they use exclusive language. Most people don’t even realize how offensive this could be; however, it is great that we are trying to get rid of this type of writing. While studying, I agreed with the AP on trying to avoid the “he or she” writing style, because it ends up sounding like a mouthful. I liked the idea or trying to make personal nouns plural in order to avoid gender words and replace them with “they” or “them”.

                I work at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and have seen firsthand sexist language. I do patient transport so I frequently interact with doctors and nurses. Frequently while someone is asking about a nurse they tend to use words like “she” and “her”; however, when talking about doctors most people say “he” and “his”. Once a patient asked me, “I’m looking for the nurse; do you know where she is?” Before I could answer a masculine voice spoke from behind me and said, “I am the nurse, how can I help you?” The patient looked flustered when they realized their mistake and quickly apologized. I later asked the nurse if it offended him when people assumed him to be a female because of his job. The nurse laughed it off and said it happens enough he can’t take it personally; although, it did disappoint him how frequently it happened.

                I really like this picture I found on the internet. It shows what words are best to use in order to avoid gender base language.