Watch What You Say

Word choice is quite important in this day and age

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In our progressive society the majority has become increasingly more politically correct. We have seen this come to fruition when addressing gender and the roles that are assigned to them. This progressive shift has brought positive attention to certain issues but also carries intense backlash when failing to properly be addressed. The coverage of NFL player Cam Newton’s sexist remark to Jourdan Rodrigue, a female reporter, further reminded me of the importance of being attentive when bringing gender up in our conversations. Rodrique addressed the football term “route” in her question for Newton to which Newton replied, “It's funny to hear a female talk about routes” while laughing to himself. Although Newton may have been impressed by this woman's knowledge of the game, his response discredited her. This quick remark also presented Newton in a negative light.

Gender role related issues rise in our everyday lives whether it be in our homes, participating in extracurricular activities, the workplace, etc. We must be careful with how we choose to discuss them, making sure to not assign a single gender to our thoughts and opinions. As you can see carelessly assuming the way one thinks based on their gender can be harmful. We must see each conversation for its contents rather than the gender of who we are communicating with. We can never know the differing interests and knowledge that individuals should or may have so you should never assume.

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-RR