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Words aren't sexist, racist, or derogatory. I won't argue this point further
- see George Carlin for a very colorful argument. ;)
It all has to do with intent and context. In the case of being told "girls
shouldn't be doing X", yes, that's sexist. In the case of "the user
shouldn't bathe in the reactor cooling bin because he will probably die" is
not sexist. It may not be appropriate, as the user may be a woman, but it's
not sexist.
I agree that we should avoid using he and she in documentation unless we
know the docs will be read predominantly by that sex (hygiene products,
clothing may be a stretch, etc...). But by using one pronoun over another is
not automatically sexist unless the connotation is made in the wording.
I just LOVE how friggin' PC this world is becoming. More and more I feel
like I should've been a mime.
My $0.02. If you feel the urge to flame me, please do so off-list so others
don't have to deal with the banter.
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BILL SWALLOW
Technical Writer
C O U R I O N C O R P O R A T I O N
1881 Worcester Road
Framingham, Mass. 01701
T E L * 508-879-8400 x316
F A X * 508-879-8500
www.courion.com
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