FA+
Shop
Gender-Neutral Pronouns
12 years ago
General
I have recently finished reading a book that introduced me to something that I believe should be adopted.
In the book, there is a society that has advanced gene-altering capabilities. Gender is rendered practically cosmetic and can be changed swiftly and easily. As such, they have taken up the use of gender-neutral pronouns. The two used in the novel are "Ze" and "Hir."
Only having knowledge of the English language I can't make suggestions for the other tongues, but I believe we English speakers should strive to adopt at least a passing use for these pronouns. In the growing debate and conflict involving sexuality and gender identity I feel this small addition could help people interact easier without worry of insulting others.
Yes, there will no doubt be some who are insulted and take offence when its use crops up in conversation, but in my experience people can throw claims of insults and offence regardless of subject, no matter how trivial simply because it forces them to engage with something not of their world-view or said subject, in some minute, completely irrelevant way, does not meet equally with their standards.
From the little that I have researched, attempts to use gender-neutral pronouns have largely fallen on deaf ears and mute lips simply because incorporating new words into a language is taxing and cumbersome when other, albeit awkward, words exist already.
Well, from here-on out I am going to try and keep these gender-neutral pronouns in mind and exercise their use when and where I can.
Will you join me? =)
In the book, there is a society that has advanced gene-altering capabilities. Gender is rendered practically cosmetic and can be changed swiftly and easily. As such, they have taken up the use of gender-neutral pronouns. The two used in the novel are "Ze" and "Hir."
Only having knowledge of the English language I can't make suggestions for the other tongues, but I believe we English speakers should strive to adopt at least a passing use for these pronouns. In the growing debate and conflict involving sexuality and gender identity I feel this small addition could help people interact easier without worry of insulting others.
Yes, there will no doubt be some who are insulted and take offence when its use crops up in conversation, but in my experience people can throw claims of insults and offence regardless of subject, no matter how trivial simply because it forces them to engage with something not of their world-view or said subject, in some minute, completely irrelevant way, does not meet equally with their standards.
From the little that I have researched, attempts to use gender-neutral pronouns have largely fallen on deaf ears and mute lips simply because incorporating new words into a language is taxing and cumbersome when other, albeit awkward, words exist already.
Well, from here-on out I am going to try and keep these gender-neutral pronouns in mind and exercise their use when and where I can.
Will you join me? =)
