Comments on: Pronouns and The Question Of Gender

By: NatMich

NatMich — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:45:26 +0000

Man, it would be so convenient if “their” was a grammatically acceptable pronoun!

That said, I remember either hearing not too long ago (and have yet to confirm it) that “she” is actually the generic pronoun in some cultures in the world. It's a tough issue though because I totally agree that having to do the whole “he or she”/”him or herself” all the time.

The switching between the two is a compromise that I am not personally bothered by- but always notice. That said, I know a lot of people who would argue that “of course you notice it, because people are not used to it yet”. Maybe we will get used to it? If not, though, and it is just the inherent dynamic aspect of it that draws our attention to it, any resulting gender association effects might be more highlighted which I guess could be argued as either good or bad?

By: sethsimonds

sethsimonds — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:38:57 +0000

By “switch it up” do you mean within a single piece of writing or across your writing in general?

Seems like doing so in a single piece could be a bit disorienting for the reader.

By: sethsimonds

sethsimonds — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:30:38 +0000

Hi Sarah,

Yes, I agree that consistency is a big factor.

Re: referring to God with feminine pronouns...awesome! I can see a lot of people getting antsy about that. Sometimes it's good to get a bit antsy about things. =)

After-the-fact pronoun switches typically sound contrived. In most cases, sounding contrived is worse than having a few people think you've got a bit of bias up your sleeve.

Thanks!

By: mrsalbrecht

mrsalbrecht — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:22:33 +0000

Me, too.

My blog's audience is primarily female, but I consciously tend to write with inclusive pronouns ( “they” “we” “our”, etc.), appealing to all readers.

By: David Cain

David Cain — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:20:05 +0000

I switch it up between “him” and “her.” “Their” is just wrong and it seems to bother me more every time I see it. Sometimes I use “people” or “we” to avoid it, but it isn't always appropriate.

By: sethsimonds

sethsimonds — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:16:18 +0000

Conversational turns into legal within a few years. That's how words keep sneaking into the dictionary as well. Works for me!

By: sethsimonds

sethsimonds — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:10:17 +0000

Yes, it is pretty logical. Much easier than having to deal with people pulling your writing apart because you used an odd pronoun, eh?

Active voice with neutral gender references? Sounds like winning recipe!

Thanks Jim!

By: mrsalbrecht

mrsalbrecht — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:09:36 +0000

It doesn't matter which is used as long as it is consistent within an article. Otherwise, “generic person” turns into “generic people” and you begin to wonder if you missed something… kinda like the awkwardness that ensues when tenses are switched.

FWIW, there are some sources that I expect “her” vs. “him”, such as from a feminist organization…. especially when referring to God

In the example cited, I think the pronoun “her” could be omitted and the same message would be conveyed. Conciseness is more professional. By throwing the “her” in there, it gives the feeling that someone is trying (too hard) to sound gender neutral.

I checked back through my

By: sethsimonds

sethsimonds — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:08:45 +0000

But by writing in English you've excluded billions!

I think “people” could work in some cases. Not sure how many though.

By: blackhousecreative

blackhousecreative — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 14:54:42 +0000

I say use “their” as it is how most of us talk. The conversational way and so who cares if it is “correct” grammar?