Words Matter

Back in the 90's, I had a wonderful colleague who was the father of two daughters ages 3 and 7.  I used to tease him about his use of male gendered nouns -- fireman, policeman, mailman, etc.  He would gently tease me back about my feminist views assuring me that it didn't matter because everyone knew he really meant everyone, not just men.

Then one day he came to me - this father of two young girls.  With eyes wide open, he told me he now understands.  He told me his 7 year old had come home from school sobbing.  He asked her what was wrong and through her sobs with tears streaming down her little face she asked "Daddy, why can't I be a fireman?"

"You can honey.  you can be anything you want to be!", as he wiped her tears.

"But Daddy", she sobbed, "then why do they call it fireMAN?"

True story.

The words we use matter.  We are teaching children everyday by our examples.  Folks it's not that hard to change our language.  It just takes a little practice and it's important. Even on NPR I hear fireman, policeman.. let's stop.. Do it for the girls.. and for the boys.  Here are a few examples:

- police officer

- firefighter

- flight attendant

- letter carrier

- access cover (not manhole)