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.

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

24bUse plural instead of singular forms.

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

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

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

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.

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

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).

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

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.

Avoid stereotyping individuals or groups, negatively or positively.

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.