Sexisim in Language
The overall theme of "Sexism in Language" is how the way we speak, whether it is a conscious realization or not, places women in a position that is subordinate to men. Three main points are brought up in this film. These are: words people use that convey the misguided notion that men are superior to women, how children are socialized into this idea from a very young age, and the change that is taking place within language to equalize the roles of men and women.Many words that we use are so common to us that we do not even realize that they are not inclusive towards women. A lot of these words are in reference to occupations. Such words include mailman, policeman, second man, milkman, etc. There is logical reasoning as to why we use these terms when talking about jobs. Years ago, women were not allowed to work. They stayed home to tend to the house and children. Things such as the railway were started at a time when women were the homemakers and men the breadwinners. Therefore, men created them and masculine terms (words pertaining only to males) were used to refer to the occupation as well as things that went along with the occupation, such as second man. However, times are chan
A group called "The Joeys" expanded on this issue. They sing songs that make fun of the ideas society has about how men should and should not act. They include lyrics that say men should never cry, men like fights, and men are strong. They are a very comic group that recognizes that men can have feminine traits and vice versa and it is okay. And they broadcast this idea to get other people to see as well. There are many sexist words and qualities of language. Some are easily recognizable and some take thought to realize. Nonetheless, a change needs to take place within language to account for the changing times. Women are no longer supposed to be the homemakers. In fact, sometimes it is crucial for both the man and the women of a house to work in order to pay the bills and eat. For women to take on this role comfortably, they need to feel accepted and with masculine terms used everywhere women do not always feel as if they are a part of something. At a very young age, society begins to teach children of their roles in life. Children are taught to be sexist from the beginning. This is done many times through children's storybooks. The example given in the film was a storybook about trains. This book conveyed the message very clearly that men like trains
Some common words found in the essay are:
Sexism Language, masculine terms, language account, change taking language, change language, inclusive towards women, words people, change taking, slang words, taking language, feminine traits, women words, towards women,
Approximate Word count = 862
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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