Quote:
Originally Posted by miami_fan
I agree with you but ummm have you noticed how the United States has been dealing with gender neutral terms? We are trying to bring the country together. I can't be completely sure that introducing such a change won't derail that unity train before it gets started. Baby steps.
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Yeah, I have to admit, I'm too optimistic about this issue.
The gender issues are not specific to the USA, really. All our related languages are infected with "he" and "she", "-man" and "-woman". Even when you try to use a gender neutral term, people automatically assume that neutral is a man.
First hand experience, last couple of months, every time I told people I have a new 'manager' (the title doesn't 100% fit, but it works for the purposes of the context), they ask me "what is he like?". Me response: "he is a she". Their response: "okay, what does she look like, is she hot/cute?" My response: "that's irrelevant, she's my manager".
But at the same time, it's also a matter of just doing it. First Spouse, Second Spouse. But I get it, "Lady" and "Gentleman" sound much fancier than "Spouse". First Significant Other is way too long as well.
