Bogus Bullshit, or PC truth?

Spanky The Dolphin · Post by **Spanky The Dolphin** » 2004-01-29 06:07pm

When writing papers, my writing style becomes very stilted, so I tend to avoid even using he or she, often structuring it for "one".

Phil Skayhan · Post by **Phil Skayhan** » 2004-01-29 06:12pm

Aleyska is correct here. Using "they" or "them" to refer to an individual is just as incorrect as using "yous" or "y'all" in place of the plural "you". I don't care how many people use it, it still makes them seem less erudite.

I guess if more people start saying nukular that will be okay too.

InnerBrat · Post by **InnerBrat** » 2004-01-30 12:26pm

Forgive me if I'm wrong, Alyeska, but from your location, is English even your first language? If not, then why are you arguing about the acceptable use of English grammar with a native speaker?

I had very strict English grammar rules hammered into me both at school and at home, and 'they' is a perfectly acceptable gender neutral plural, for when you don't know or don't wish to disclose the gender, especially when talking about a hypothetical person, or an unknown qunatity of people, which could be one.

"He" is also gender neutral, but 'they' can be used to further clairfy the fact that gender is unknown.

Example:
"I have this friend, but I've never met them. I don't even know whether they're male or female."

"Someone's clearly claimed this seat for themselves"

"Should a student wish to withdraw, he is to do so in writing."

And you can't just make up words and decide that is what the language will be from now on, because lingusitics doesn't work like that: children still need to communicate with adults. Made-up grammar rules are just as useful as made-up languages, and we know how well Esparanto worked

Howedar · Post by **Howedar** » 2004-01-30 12:50pm

Alyeska is from Montana.

Spanky The Dolphin · Post by **Spanky The Dolphin** » 2004-01-30 01:54pm

Thanks, IB.

InnerBrat · Post by **InnerBrat** » 2004-01-30 04:35pm

Howedar wrote:Alyeska is from Montana.

Thanks. It just says Paris in his location.

Andrew J. · Post by **Andrew J.** » 2004-01-30 06:51pm

InnerBrat wrote:
Howedar wrote:Alyeska is from Montana.
Thanks. It just says Paris in his location.

It's because The United Federation of Planets HQ is located in Paris, or something.

Spanky The Dolphin · Post by **Spanky The Dolphin** » 2004-01-30 06:54pm

Well, isn't Al an American living in the UK or Europe?

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2004-01-30 08:20pm

Aly is indeed an American.