Gender neutral language is difficult at first because we are not used to it, but as you start using gender neutral terms things over time it starts feeling natural. For me the most difficult word to stop using was ‘guys’ and it took me a while to stop using it. Even now I still end up using it every once in a while accidentally but it is something I work on. For those who keep telling everyone that it is a gender neutral term, the following screenshot that popped up in my feed says it best.
It is rude but it makes the point beautifully. ‘Guys’ is not a gender neutral term and it never was. Just that people are so used to using it and didn’t want to change that it became sort of accepted.
Language is powerful and important. It can build communities and connections or it can break connections. For example, if you have a mixed gender group and are calling everyone guys you are indirectly telling the non male population that they are not part of the team or not important enough to be recognized. This is not to show that you are ‘woke’ or whatever but just basic human courtesy.
You should always use the correct language when interacting with others and believe me it does get noticed.
– Suramya