Garzo:
Some people do not like man-made because it might be thought of as sexist: not woman-made.
Guidelines for Gender-Fair Use of Language
2. The Pseudo-Generic Man: Creating Gender Balance
Like the pseudo-generic form he, the use of the word man to represent both women and men excludes women, and it minimalizes their contributions and their worth as human beings.
Some forms pose greater problems than those listed above:
*
man-made (as in man-made materials). Artificial materials or even synthetic materials has less positive connotations when substituted here.
*
freshman (as in certain official names such as freshman orientation). First-year student is an alternative which may work.
*
alumni which is the masculine plural form; alumnae is the feminine plural.
Language plays a central role in the way human beings behave and think. The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) is concerned about the critical role language plays in promoting fair treatment of women and girls, men and boys. Through careful selection of gender-fair language, NCTE members have the opportunity to influence thought and behavior both directly and indirectly.
Bah! Humbug!
Control the language; control the thoughts?!?
I don’t think so!
Sitran
