Re[8]: Killer Language

[Iain Harrison <iharrison -at- SCT -dot- CO -dot- UK>]

Karl replies:

     >>
     My objection to the terms male and female is that they
     ascribe human gender qualities to inanimate objects.  I know
     that the terms are widely used and understood. I also know
     some people are embarrassed by the terms. So, if we can use
     other terms as valid and unambiguous alternatives, I prefer
     to do so. If we cannot, then we should use male and female
     to describe the components.

     The Style Guide issue comes up from two reasons:

     1. Some writers are obliged, by company or department
     policy, to use certain style guides.

     2. That Apple would specifically call this out is an
     indicator that a different word choice is appropriate in
     some circumstances.
     <<

It may be news to some people, but gender is not unique to
humans. All animals and virtually all plants have male and/or
female gender. This may be offensive or embarrassing to some
people, but that really is a problem they should get medical
attention for, not bring in an editor.

It is a simple fact that just about everyone on this planet is
male or female. If they have a problem with this, I don't think
there is much I can do about it from here.

What are these valid and unambiguous alternatives to the terms
male and female? You don't suggest any at all, let alone concise
and universally understood ones.

I think Apple is wrong in this. Completely wrong.

Iain
iharrison -at- sct -dot- co -dot- uk