5 Examples of associating gender with spoken language

We have grown up listening to words like “mankind”, “man-made” and “chairman” around us. We have been conditioned from our childhood to use such gender-driven terms in our daily conversations without actually realizing the gravity of the situation. However, the world has now started to make a conscious effort to revisit previous gender-biased habits, be it in the workplace or one’s own house. What’s important is that we do what’s in our control to change certain daily-base habits, no matter how absurd they must seem. And the situation will be on its way to becoming better.

For a long time, we have associated the female gender to show distinction in certain professions — “A female pilot”, “A female builder”. With time, we seem to have accepted these terms as normal despite the high prejudice that they carry.

Furthermore, even while using gender-neutral terms like “boss” or “actor”, our mind tends to refer to a male figure rather than a female. This has led to the idea of a “female boss” or an “actress”, automatically adding prejudice to the generally neutral word.

Adding on, over time, there have been many gender-associated phrases and/or quotes. One such is- “Cricket is a gentleman’s game”. It is understandable how the phrase must have caught on since cricket in earlier times was dominated by men. However, with changing times, we need to be able to let go of this prejudice.

I’m sure we’re all familiar with the concept of king-sized and queen-sized beds. Have we ever stopped to reflect on the fact that the size of a king-sized bed is always bigger? Have we ever stopped and noticed how such small things bring with them such a big bias, such discrimination? While speaking it doesn’t make much of a difference but our subconscious registers the fact the king is bigger compared to the queen and this sentiment then shows up in our daily life, regardless of us realising it or not. It’s time to end this gender association, even on non-living things.

It’s important that we now put an end to this association of gender with normal spoken language. There need be no female alternative for a word that is meant to be gender-neutral. Small things like this will allow us to remove the bias and stigma on daily basis.

Let’s use names of professions, gender- neutrally. Let’s say “humanity” instead of “mankind”, “artificial” instead of “man-made” and “chairperson” instead of “chairman”. The use of the word “pilot” or “builder” should be enough while talking about someone’s profession.

Let’s finish the need of associating gender with spoken language. A change takes time and so it is imperative that we do our part, now.