"It is difficult to get a man to understand something, ... (WARNING: HOF THREAD)

[The Traveler]

28. I think you are right

And I think Sinclair's quote applies here with very little additional interpretation.

And I have to admit (as a male with a long association with the military, and its corresponding impact on my linguistic habits) that I am quite guilty of that linguistic pattern. This, despite the fact that I am (and have long been) aware of the pattern you describe and its detrimental effects.

Language really is important. It is not merely a means of expressing thought and feeling ... it is a tool for developing thought and feeling. And one's language patterns are very much a matter of training and habit ... and thus are a reflection of how the mind itself has been trained.

These very detrimental patterns of thought and speech are NOT easily disarmed, even by those of us who are aware of the problem and disapprove of it. It would help to have linguistic elements that are invective and which can be used to convey thought and feeling in situations where one man must criticize another. I have been told by a Chief Petty Officer that, when I am confronted with that sort of situation, my use of language causes seasoned naval sailors to blush and flee. (He intended that as a compliment, BTW.)

For example, I regard Paul Ryan as an incomplete and largely dysfunctional male (like most Randians). He is untrustworthy. He deliberately de-magnetized his moral compass decades ago. He is self centered, and panders to a certain element in order to achieve personal power. He is incapable of exerting personal courage or committing to sacrifice to achieve the greater good. He is not someone with whom I would seek an honest intellectual debate, for I do not believe him to be capable of intellectual honesty. He is certainly not someone I would ever want at my shoulder when on the field of battle, for his commitment to Randian "self interest" is likely to compel him to leave my butt exposed when the evil wind is up. Etc.

Now, I can express all of that in a fashion any other male can understand, and with great force, and a very few words ... but those words reinforce the pattern you describe and serves to promote male privilege and even misogyny. (An alternative set of words slurs the LGBT folk ... it's a similar problem.)

So I need new words and turns of phrase that are both easily expressed and readily understood ... and which pack emotional force ... for moments where I just have to express all that tersely and and effectively. (During my study of Soviet culture back in the 80s, I learned that the word (if I remember aright) "nikulturny" ... which means "without culture" ... was one of the most deadly insults in the repertoire. Pretty much guaranteed to produce a bar fight. What a great word ... but it draws a blank stare when used here, of course. And no one seems to care about being called uncultured.)

Change the use of language, you change the underlying patterns of thought, and vice-versa. This all takes time. Consequently I have chosen to resort to suppression of the impulse to use that sexist nomenclature. In that effort, I am not always successful, and so must ask the indulgence and forgiveness of those who I unintentionally offend.

Trav