Politically Correct Gender Language

We live in a time of increasing political correctness. It is important for your students to be aware of the need to use language that will not offend anyone on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, age, and disability. Here are some examples to help your students avoid the use of discriminatory gender references.

• humanity instead of mankind
• news anchor instead of anchorman
• chairperson instead of chairman
• member of Congress instead of congressman
• police officer instead of policeman
• meteorologist instead of weatherman
• manufactured instead of man-made
• employees instead of manpower
• ancestors instead of forefathers
• first-year-student instead of freshman

Have your students come up with other examples.