The strange case of Valeria Jones. Argument over a thoughtful enforcement of a gender-inclusive language

Hausarbeit , 2015 , 10 Seiten , Note: 1,0

Anglistik - Kultur und Landeskunde

In February 2014, the former catering worker Valeria Jones sued her employer, the Bon Appetit Management Co. in Oregon, United States, after co-workers numerous times referred to her as "female". Jones felt offended by this term since she identified as "gender-neutral" (Andersen 2014). US$ 518,682 were adjudged to Jones as compensation money for "pronoun pain and humiliation" (Owens 2014).

This lawsuit , in which a particular usage of language was punished, demonstrates how quickly the idea of a genderised language can be exaggerated and thus discredited. However, it does not mean that a language which is sensitive towards sex and gender should be abandoned for its realisation might so easily be distorted. An enlightened society is indeed in need of a language that is gender-inclusive. Yet, taking into account the case of Valeria Jones, the inevitable question must arise whether and when such a language should be enforced by law and policy. In the following paragraphs, it is to be shown that a gender-inclusive language has to be enforced (only), when its non-application causes legal consequences by excluding people from rights. In all other cases, common sense is likely to be more thoughtful an adviser.

Therefore, this paper is dedicated to the practical aspects of a gender-inclusive language and its realistic implementation. Hopefully, it will have a share in reconciling the still ongoing differences between proponents and opponents of a genderised language.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• The strange case of Valeria Jones
• Argument over a thoughtful enforcement of a gender-inclusive language
• What is meant by "gender-inclusive language"?
• Why are assumptions about sex and gender problematic?
• Why is there still such huge a controversy about a gender-inclusive language?
• A gender-inclusive language is to guarantee equal human rights to everyone within a society.
• Should the application of a gender-inclusive language be enforced in all areas of life?
• Conclusion
• Literaturverzeichnis

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte

This paper aims to explore the practical aspects of a gender-inclusive language and its realistic implementation. It seeks to reconcile the ongoing differences between proponents and opponents of a genderised language by focusing on the potential benefits and challenges of enforcing such a language.

• The importance of a gender-inclusive language in promoting equality and preventing discrimination.
• The potential for misunderstandings and offense caused by gender-based assumptions in language.
• The need to balance the freedom of expression with the need for a language that reflects the principles of equality and human rights.
• The potential for overreach and exaggeration in the arguments for and against a gender-inclusive language.
• The role of the state in ensuring the implementation of a gender-inclusive language in legal and public spheres.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel

The paper begins by introducing the case of Valeria Jones, a former catering worker who sued her employer for using the term "female" to refer to her, as she identified as gender-neutral. This case highlights the potential for conflict and misunderstanding when language is not sensitive to gender identity. The paper then defines "gender-inclusive language" as a manner of writing and speaking that minimizes assumptions about the biological sex or gender of the people referred to. It argues that such assumptions can be misleading and even discriminatory, particularly in legal and contractual contexts. The paper then explores the controversy surrounding gender-inclusive language, acknowledging the concerns of those who argue that it violates freedom of expression and may be overly prescriptive. However, it ultimately concludes that a gender-inclusive language is essential for ensuring equal human rights for all and that its enforcement is justified in areas where it is necessary to prevent discrimination.

The paper further examines the role of the state in promoting a gender-inclusive language. It argues that the state has a responsibility to ensure that laws and regulations are gender-neutral and that all citizens are treated equally under the law. However, it also emphasizes that the state should not interfere in private matters unless there is a clear violation of the law. The paper concludes by suggesting that a thoughtful and balanced approach to gender-inclusive language is necessary, one that respects the freedom of expression while also promoting equality and preventing discrimination.

Schlüsselwörter

The key words and focus themes of the text include gender-inclusive language, gender-neutral language, gender-sensitive language, freedom of expression, human rights, equality, discrimination, legal language, and the role of the state.

• Hochschule: Freie Universität Berlin (Englische Philologie)
• Veranstaltung: Oral and Writing Skills
• Note: 1,0
• Autor: Dominik Jesse (Autor:in)
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2015
• Seiten: 10
• Katalognummer: V294749
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656925460
• ISBN (Buch): 9783656925477
• Sprache: Englisch
• Schlagworte: Gender-Inclusive Language, Language, Sprache, Gender-neutral Language, Valeria Jones, Gender Mainstreaming, Non-Sexist Language, Geschlechtsneutrale Sprache, gender, Jones, Sexismus, gegenderte Sprache, gendered language