NewsBlues mrsbgrammar Page 163
Chapter 3 Inoffensive Writing
153
non-sexist language part 1
Since, generally, you really don't want to offend your viewers, it
makes sense to educate yourself about being fair to both sexes.
You also owe it to your viewers to be clear.
Using a word like "policemen" may leave your viewers wondering if
you're excluding women police officers.
FIREFIGHTER and POLICE OFFICER have replaced "fireman"
and "policeman."
MAIL CARRIER and LETTER CARRIER have replaced "mailman"
and "postman."
ANCHOR is preferred to "anchorman" and "anchorwoman."
WEATHERCASTER, WEATHER REPORTER, or
METEOROLOGIST instead of "weatherman."
CAMERA OPERATOR instead of "cameraman."
CHAIR or CHAIRPERSON is the gender neutral version of
"chairman."
SALESPERSON or SALES REPRESENTATIVE works better than
"salesman."
WORKERS' COMPENSATION has replaced "workmen's
compensation."
When the sex of the person performing a job is irrelevant, phrases
like "a female police officer" and "a male nurse" can be offensive.
Instead, say POLICE OFFICER and NURSE.
Mrs. B suspects you already know this lesson, but a refresher can't
hurt.
