SEXIST LANGUAGE

What is sexist language?

Sexist language is the use of words that unnecessarily distinguish between males and females. Such words are offensive to many and should be avoided. The use of alternative gender-neutral words is preferred:

Not These           stewardess      mankind manpower workman spokesman waitress

These flight attendant people work force employee spokesperson server

The use of female forms such as heiress, hostess, and actress is also declining.

Careful writers are sensitive to this issue and use distinguishing forms only when a definite need exists to signal a gender difference.

What salutations may be used to avoid objectionable gender distinctions?

The best salutation option to avoid objectionable gender distinctions is:

Ladies and Gentlemen:	or	Gentlemen and Ladies:

If the letter is going to a single individual whose name is unknown, one of the following may be used:

Dear Sir or Madam:

Dear Director:

Dear Personnel Manager:

Should he/she, s/he and other such forms of standard personal pronouns be used?

No. These hybrid forms are generally regarded as less than acceptable to English users and are not used. Several options are possible: