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Sexist Theory Of Sexism Essay

Decent Essays

While language alone is not the reason sexism is our society exists, it can be reflective of an individual’s innate sexist ideology as well as an entire society’s sexist perspective. The language one speaks is the language of their thoughts, so the way one uses a gendered term can be an embodiment of their thoughts. Some linguists argue that the language one grows up speaking, along with its underlying assumptions and connotations, limit the way one can perceive the world, which is innately sexist. If the neutral form of a word refers to men and a suffixed version, such as suffragette rather than suffragist, its subtle indication is that men come first, whereas women exist as secondary figures. So when children are taught to say “mankind” because it is what society uses or what their parents use, the child may subconsciously believe that “mankind” refers to men. It is difficult at first for a child to understand that “mankind” allegedly embraces women in the term, and while the child may soon understand that women are included, their initial understanding continues to exist on the basis that men shape a humanity that is also accompanied by women. This initial connotation shapes their innate perception of the role of a woman living in “mankind.” This is why a call for the explicit addressing of gender …show more content…

However, an assumption alone is not a sufficient approach to the implication of gender equality. “Mankind” cannot be merely assumed to imply “humankind.” An assumption or implication made by the author may not necessarily be translated to the reader’s understanding which may lead to offense. One cannot depend on an assumption of equality because it is far from guaranteed. Evidence of an author’s view on gender equality is reflected through their attempt to have over corrections and have new usages of

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