24 | Bias-Free Language

24|Bias-Free Language

Thoughtful writers try to avoid harmful bias in their language. They respect their readers and don’t want to insult them, anger them, or impede communication. Be on the lookout for words that insult or stereotype individuals or groups by gender, age, race, ethnic origin, sexual preference, or religion.

24aAvoid terms that include or imply man.

Substitute a gender-neutral term for man or a word starting with man.

image

820

Similarly, you need not simply replace the ending -man with -person. Instead, think about meaning and find a truly neutral synonym.

image

24bUse plural instead of singular forms.

Replace the singular with the plural (they and their for he and his).

image

For more on pronoun-antecedent agreement, see 12.

When a singular indefinite pronoun is an antecedent, its pronoun must also be singular.

image

Alternatively, you could recast the sentence with a plural antecedent.

image

24cWhere possible, omit words that denote gender.

You can make your language more bias-free by omitting pronouns and other words that needlessly indicate gender.

There must be rapport between a stockbroker and his client, a teacher and her student, a doctor and his patient.

Also treat men and women equally in terms of description or title.

image

24dAvoid condescending labels.

A responsible writer does not call women chicks, babes, woman drivers, or any other names that imply that they are not to be taken seriously. Nor should an employee ever be called a girl or boy. Avoid terms that put down individuals or groups because of age (old goat, the grannies), race or ethnicity (Indian giver, Chinaman’s chance), or disability (gimpy, handicapped).

image

821

When describing a group, try to use the label or term that its members prefer.

image

24eAvoid implied stereotypes.

Sometimes a stereotype is linked to a title. Aside from obvious exceptions, never assume that all the members of a group are of the same gender.

image

Avoid stereotyping individuals or groups, negatively or positively.

image

24fUse Ms. for a woman with no other known title.

Ms. is the preferred title of polite address for women because, like Mr. for men, it does not indicate marital status. Use Miss or Mrs. only if you know that the woman prefers this form. If a woman holds a doctorate, professional office, or position with a title, use that title rather than Ms.

Ms. Jane Doe, Editor Dear Ms. Doe:
Professor Jane Doe, Department of English Dear Professor Doe:
Senator Jane Doe, Washington, D.C. Dear Senator Doe:

EXERCISE 24-1 Avoiding Bias

Revise the following sentences to eliminate bias. Example:

image
  1. Our school’s athletic program will be of interest to black applicants.

  2. The new physicians include Dr. Scalia, Anna Baniski, and Dr. Morton.

  3. The diligent researcher will always find the sources he seeks.

  1. Simon drinks like an Irishman.

  2. Like most Asian Americans, Soon Li excels at music and mathematics.

  3. Dick drives a Porsche because he likes the way she handles on the road, despite the little old ladies who slow down traffic.