Surely the point here is that there's a world of difference between being
*deliberately* offensive and writing something that may be *unintentionally*
offensive to someone. Having been a professional writer for the past thirty-five
years, I'me quite sure that I must, from time to time, have written something
that has offended someone. But on all but a very few occasions it has been
completely unintentional. On the very rare occasions that I've wished, for one
reason or another, to be offensive, I trust that my intentions have been crystal
clear! I hasten to add that this is not one of them.
Personally, I will *never* write "he/she" or "s/he", not because I wish to
offend, but simply because this usage of English offends *me* by breaking up the
flow of a sentence and looking ugly. If I have to use any form of dual gender
address I'll use "he or she" and "his or her".
Similarly, I find offensive the hi-jacking of certain words to mean something
quite different from their original meaning. For example, I refuse to use the
word "gay" when I mean "homosexual". Not because I'm homphobic (I'm not), but
because to me, gay means happy. A homosexual person is unarguably homosexual. He
or she may also be gay, but equally may be downright miserable.
Another instance is where the chairman of an organisation is known as the
"chair" for fear of offending. In my book a chair is a piece of furniture.
However, I believe that in that most feminine of organisations the Women's
Institute, the chairman is still referred to as "Madam Chairman". I would have
thought that most women would have preferred to be referred to as "Madam
Chairman" rather than as something to be sat upon.
This political correctness has reached ridiculous heights in the UK recently,
with certain local authorities insisting that nursery rhymes and children's
fairy stories be edited or rewritten in case they offend someone. And the PC
zealots of one local authority were trying to get the word "Christmas" banned
because it may cause offence to those of non-Christian religious persuasions.
Anyway, to return to my original point. I've not been particularly vocal on this
list so far (except for this posting!), because I'm still learning and prefer to
read what those with more experience than me have to say. But in any postings I
do make, I shall never be deliberately offensive to anyone, if for no other
reason than it is counter productive.
Finally, Judy, I don't think we English (sorry, British) really need "clueing
in" on the use of our own language ;-). But that's just my personal opinion, of
course.
Regards to all,
Derek Watkins