**************************************************************************** >C O M P U T E R U N D E R G R O U N D< >D I G E S T< *** Volume 3, Issue #3.00 (January 6, 1991) ** **************************************************************************** MODERATORS: Jim Thomas / Gordon Meyer (TK0JUT2@NIU.bitnet) ARCHIVISTS: Bob Krause / Alex Smith / Bob Kusumoto BYTEMASTER: Brendan Kehoe USENET readers can currently receive CuD as alt.society.cu-digest. Anonymous ftp sites: (1) ftp.cs.widener.edu (2) cudarch@chsun1.uchicago.edu E-mail server: archive-server@chsun1.uchicago.edu. COMPUTER UNDERGROUND DIGEST is an open forum dedicated to sharing information among computerists and to the presentation and debate of diverse views. CuD material may be reprinted as long as the source is cited. Some authors, however, do copyright their material, and those authors should be contacted for reprint permission. It is assumed that non-personal mail to the moderators may be reprinted unless otherwise specified. Readers are encouraged to submit reasoned articles relating to the Computer Underground. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DISCLAIMER: The views represented herein do not necessarily represent the views of the moderators. Contributors assume all responsibility for assuring that articles submitted do not violate copyright protections. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ------------------------------ From: "Brenda J. Allen (303) 492-0273" Subject: Gender-Neutral Language Date: Wed, 2 Jan 1991 14:03 MST ******************************************************************** *** CuD #3.00: File 3 of 6: Gender-Neutral Language *** ******************************************************************** The Dark Adept's article (CuD #2.10, File 9) on In-House Security Problems was informative and insightful. However, I was appalled by the author's consistent and flagrant use of masculine pronouns and sex-linked nouns to refer to persons (hackers, system operators, employees) who could be either male or female. Although hackers and system operators traditionally have been men, women also are assuming those roles. Moreover, employees who use computers certainly comprise both genders. Therefore, references to users as males (e.g., "employees often choose passwords such as their wife's maiden name") are particularly inappropriate and sexist. I am not accusing the author of intentional discrimination against females. Rather, I believe that he or she may not be aware of the implications and ramifications of gender-biased language. Language has the power to shape thought, reinforce biases, and perpetuate stereotypes. Consequently, omitting mention of females in a discussion about computer-related activities may help to sustain the impression of male domination of that area of our lives. Moreover, such oversights may send the covert message that some persons wish to maintain such an image, to discount contributions by women, and/or to discourage female participation. Therefore, I encourage everyone to become more thoughtful of their choice of words and more sensitive to issues regarding gender. This seems particularly crucial in the contemporary forum of electronic discourse. As we pave new paths, we must assume responsibility for changing old language habits. Also, we should strive to avoid sending implicit and explicit messages regarding females and their roles in computer science and related fields. On a positive note, I've observed such awareness in other CuD files. For instance, job announcements usually cite both genders, and Alan Wexelblat recently qualified a reference to philosophers as males by noting that women had been systematically excluded from that area of study. Guidelines for avoiding the use of male-only pronouns include the following: reword sentences to eliminate unnecessary gender pronouns; alternate the use of female and male pronouns and nouns; recase sentences into plural forms (e.g., "they" or "we"); use neutral terms like "one," "you," "an individual," etc. instead of "he" or "she." Another way to avoid subtle sexism is to substitute asexual words and phrases for man-words (e.g., "spouse's name" instead of "wife's maiden name"). Although applying these and other guidelines may be challenging and somewhat time-consuming, it is imperative that we make the effort to acknowledge the changing shape of our society as women continue to occupy positions previously reserved for men. ******************************************************************** >> END OF THIS FILE << ***************************************************************************