These 12 Words and Phrases Are Apparently Sexist Now
Feminist activists like to take their fight to the dictionary pages — here are a dozen words that various liberal groups have decried as sexist:
1. “Oh man!” as in “Oh man, it’s raining!”
Why isn’t it “oh woman, it’s raining?” Why isn’t it “Oh people, it’s raining?” How sexist! Saying “oh man” is apparently such a serious problem that a rape crisis center gave sociologist Sherryl Kleinman significant space in its newsletter to try to convince people to stop using it. It’s a “reinforcer of a system in which ‘man’ in the abstract and men in the flesh are privileged over women,” she explained.
So, next time you’re about to say “Oh man, I forgot my keys!” don’t just feel bad about being locked out. Remember to also feel bad about reinforcing male privilege.
2. “You guys” as in “You guys want to go grab some pizza?”
Like “oh man,” saying “you guys” also reinforces gender inequality, according to Kleinman. And she’s not alone — last year, Macalaster College launched a campaign impressing upon students phrases such as “you guys” are so sexist that they have an “oppressive impact” on culture.
Offenders include “Founding Fathers” and “opinionated.”
Feminist activists like to take their fight to the dictionary pages — here are a dozen words that various liberal groups have decried as sexist:
1. “Oh man!” as in “Oh man, it’s raining!”
Why isn’t it “oh woman, it’s raining?” Why isn’t it “Oh people, it’s raining?” How sexist! Saying “oh man” is apparently such a serious problem that a rape crisis center gave sociologist Sherryl Kleinman significant space in its newsletter to try to convince people to stop using it. It’s a “reinforcer of a system in which ‘man’ in the abstract and men in the flesh are privileged over women,” she explained.
So, next time you’re about to say “Oh man, I forgot my keys!” don’t just feel bad about being locked out. Remember to also feel bad about reinforcing male privilege.
2. “You guys” as in “You guys want to go grab some pizza?”
Like “oh man,” saying “you guys” also reinforces gender inequality, according to Kleinman. And she’s not alone — last year, Macalaster College launched a campaign impressing upon students phrases such as “you guys” are so sexist that they have an “oppressive impact” on culture.
