Quick Help

• What stereotypes and other assumptions might come between you and your readers? Look, for instance, for language implying approval or disapproval and for the ways you use we, you, and they.

• Avoid potentially sexist language, and omit irrelevant references to gender. Be careful not to assume gender based on occupation, and use gender-neutral nouns when you may be referring to either men or women (firefighters instead of firemen, for instance). Avoid using a masculine pronoun such as he or him to refer to a person who may be either male or female.

• Make sure your references to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, and so on are relevant or necessary to your discussion.

• Are the terms you use to refer to groups accurate and acceptable? Pay attention to the terms that members of the group prefer.