To be more inclusive, we’re seeing a shift to non-binary language in many areas.
The MTV Awards are now gender-neutral, with Best Female and Best Male prizes being combined into one genderless Actor of the Year trophy (which Emma Watson won).
Pre-recorded Transport for London announcements will soon say “Good morning, everyone” instead of “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen”.
Mayor Sadiq Khan explained: “TfL serves a diverse and multi-cultural city. I am keen that TfL speaks in a more neutral way when referring to gender.”
As you may have heard in the news, John Lewis is no longer labelling their childrenswear ranges by gender because it doesn’t want to ‘reinforce gender stereotypes’.
The issue was discussed recently on LBC radio. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
Paul (caller who sells school uniforms): “What’s wrong with calling it boys and girls? I don’t understand why they would want to bow to political correctness.”
James O’Brien (host): “Why do you think it’s political correctness? What do you mean by that phrase?”
Paul: “It means trying to say something that doesn’t offend anybody.”
James: “But why would you use that phrase? Why do you care?”
Paul: “I guess I don’t really. I only care if my business was forced to do it.”
James: “What’s the worst that could happen if that did occur?”
Paul: “We could go to ‘girls fit’ and ‘boys fit’, so it’s not the end of the world.”
James: “So it doesn’t matter a jot really. Except to the people that will benefit – children who are being told there’s something wrong with the clothes they are drawn to.”
Paul: “But these things keep going too far. People jump on the bandwagon.”
James: “The only bandwagon I can see is people employing phrases like ‘political correctness’.”
Other retailers have also switched to gender-neutral clothes.
If your employer is not as enlightened, and you feel you are being discriminated against or disadvantaged because of your chosen gender, we can help.
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