Illness and disability

Some people object to phrases like Aids sufferer, mental patients, or the handicapped because they seem to emphasize the illness or disability, rather than the person. When referring to people who are ill or disabled, try to use the expressions that emphasize the person:

A person living with Aids;

A hospital for people who are mentally ill.

Flats for people who are disabled or people with disabilities.

Disability’ Question

• “The money will be used to provide before- and-after-care educational and social services for children under eight and students with disabilities ”. (The Gazette)

• “I would prefer to see a much more focused effort on reducing class size for kids that have special needs, or disadvantaged areas”, Professor Lazear said.” (The New York Times)

SEXUAL PREFERENCE

Avoid old-fashioned and insulting terms when referring to people who have sexual relationships with members of the same sex. To avoid giving offence, use the word gay to refer to men who are sexually attracted to other men, and lesbian for women who are sexually attracted to other women. Use same-sex to describe relationships between two men or two women.

TITLES

One of the problems with the English language is that it does not have different titles for single and married men, but it does for single and married women. When addressing a woman, do not guess her marital status. If you do not know whether she is married or not, use Ms to address her, rather than Mrs or Miss.

Example:

“Dear” is the standard opening phrase of a standard business letter. Above is analyzed some kinds of opening phrases.

“Dear Sir”,

This opening phrase is clearly sexist as it precludes the possibility that a

woman is reading the letter. However, it can be fixed by

writing:

“Dear Sir/Madam”,

This was suggested in a recent posting in a few of the gender-issue

related news groups. However, someone pointed out that by putting the

masculine title before the feminine one, unacceptable dominance was

demonstrated, making this non-PC. So, It can be fixed:

“To Whom it May Concern”

There. Simple, no reference to sex or sexuality, no problems. Not

very friendly, but then again unwanted intimacy is a sin. And getting

rid of friendliness is a small price to pay to make sure that

absolutely no-one is ever, offended.