Tami’s Meandering Thoughts

Before you begin reading, please note: This is a sarcastic piece. I am making fun of a part of our culture that, in my opinion, may have gone too far. However, if you do think strongly about this issue, please take my apology now! This is NOT meant to stir up controversy but rather to poke fun at ourselves as women who, perhaps, have decided to get offended a little too easily! I sent this sarcastic email to a friend, but later thought perhaps it would be a funny thing just to “put out there” for everyone to share a good laugh.

Dear ___________,

Well, I know I have never really asked your opinion about male/female roles, gender differences etc. But I thought we could begin our discussion with these examples.

I am skimming a booklet on “Inclusive Language” which the seminary gave us so we can avoid using solely “male” terms in our writing. Now, I must admit that I don’t actually have a problem with referring to humankind as “mankind” but I will attempt to fit into the culture by reshaping my vocabulary on those issues. HOWEVER, I thought you would enjoy some of these - I never thought of them as gender terms, but apparently they are, so I would appreciate it if you would never again utter these words:

manhandle - instead you are supposed to use “mistreat” or “rough up”
manmade - instead use “handmade”
penmanship - instead use “writing” or “handwriting” (my note:this would also keep any canoes from feeling like they are being left out)
workmanship - instead use “work”, “handiwork” or “artisanry (my note:again, not only females but the other water vessals are being left out!)

…..
Tami

I will end by saying that I deeply appreciate the women who came before me and did pave the way for a society in which I am free to vote, work, and voice my own opinions alongside the men. However, perhaps we have gone a bit too far? Which, honestly, makes me wonder… what do I get offended about or am too sensitive to? Are there other issues that I need to back off a little on or allow others to have a different opinion about? If it’s not in the Bible, then why do we put a “moral stamp” on it?