Language predetermines gender roles, and is often used incorrectly. For example Sarah Palin is not the governor of Alaska but she is the governess of Alaska. Also a master is a superior person, but is male specific, however the female equivalent is mistress, which is a "women on the side". There are other really lame examples, but why do they continue to exist? And, how did the difference between governor and governess come to be when it is a position of power? did females want the differentiation?
Language Troll says get irked.
"Oh I am." -.-'
Some more progressive linguists claim the word "actor" should be used for men and women. Some extreme linguists use "womyn" to avoid using "men". Whichever is most often used will become standard. It's an odd truth.
ReplyDeleteI know thespian is a general term that includes both actors and actresses.
ReplyDelete