I’m writing in response to Laurie Johnson’s column on neutering the English language. I cannot believe that an educated, open-minded college woman could betray herself, and her sex, by writing an article promoting sexism.

Ms. Johnson said that it makes no sense to neuter words, and that neutering alters the word’s prestige that men’s actions have brought to its connotation. What about the actions of women, like Susan B. Anthony and Clara Barton? Don’t they count? By not neutering words, this society is denying the presence of the majority of its population—its women! F.D.R. is considered one of the greatest presidents and politicians in U.S. history. Do you really believe people would think less of his accomplishments if our history books started calling him a statesperson, instead of a statesman? I think not.

Words are power! Little girls need more than good examples and actions to succeed in this male-oriented society. They need confidence, and the internalization they make from constantly hearing words in only the masculine form surely affects their career choices, and the confidence they have in their abilities. We’re not giving a fair chance to the majority of our population by not including them in the titles we give people, and the words we speak.

Ms. Johnson, you’re wrong. People are not alive and thinking. Changes need to be made in our society in order to include women, make both sexes equal, and end the whole sexism issue.

Ann-Marie Ventrella

nursing