One day a friend in the direct mail business opened an industry magazine and pointed out to me a photo of its editor. She happened to be youngish-looking and attractive. "This," he said, "is why this magazine has no credibility." How could a publisher expect readers to take this "girl" seriously?

My friend would have taken umbrage had you suggested that he was sexist. He was merely being "real." Much like a vendor, no longer welcome in our offices, who took umbrage when I told him that calling a female employee "voluptuous" constituted sexual harassment and had better stop. He was merely "complimenting" her. Much like the past associate who took umbrage when I changed his use of "weatherman" in copy to "weather caster." He was merely avoiding taking "this politically correct crap" too far.

Being free from prejudice, and from harmful language and actions, takes conscious effort and painfully honest self-scrutiny. I have blown it myself from time to time. I suspect we all do. But if we remain willing to listen and grow, there's still hope.

Steve Cuno
 


Comments

Richard
02/17/2010 17:18

What on Earth is a weather caster? Does a weather caster personally throw, or cast, weather? Correct terms include weather forecaster or weatherman (be that person male or female). Both are sound English terms. Neither has any connotations of gender. Sorry, but "weather caster" is just inelegant nonsense, and your associate was correct on that score.

Reply
Steve Cuno link
02/17/2010 17:50

Sigh. I hope the blog's message registers, whether or not you agree with my word choice.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply