Newsgroups: bit.listserv.psycgrad
Date:         Wed, 11 Nov 1992 17:21:43 EST
              <PSYCGRAD@UOTTAWA.BITNET>
From:         "Matthew Simpson" <054340@UOTTAWA.BITNET>
Subject:      Re: Sexism and language a la Preferenti

On Wed, 11 Nov 1992 09:07:00 PST Someone said:
>------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>     I guess I would like for females to be defined not only in terms of
>their reproductive role in the species.  While most females are equipped for
>the job, not all "become pregnant and give birth to young".  Are those
>individuals then not females? Or is the definition a bit narrow? Really, this
>seems to have been taken out of The Handmaid's Tale, or other horror story!

So, are you saying that the definition should specify "physically could
become pregnant and give birth?"

>           I'm not at home right now, so I can't check on the definition of
>"Male".  However, I seriously doubt that it fosues exclusively on their
>ability to impregnate the female.  Although, who knows?  Maybe this is the
>way Webster's views the world...

I think we have to keep in mind the nature of a definition.

 definition, n. 1. the act of defining or making definite or clear.
                2. the exact statement of the meaning of a word, phrase, etc.
                3. condition of being definite.

 define, v.t., -fined, -fining.
                1. to state the exact meaning of (a word, etc.).
                2. to describe exactly: (eg. to define judicial functions).
 (important)==> 3. to fix the boundaries of.
                4. to make clear the outline or form of.

> But I can appreciate a good thing
>when I see one: I'm grateful for Webster's implication that females are -by
>definition- human!

I am surprised by this.  What adjective would you place to the type of
dolphin (let's say) which is belonging to the sex which bears young or
produces eggs?  I would answer that the adjective would be the word
"female."  I don't think women have exclusive rights to the classification
female.  The same goes for men.  All men are male.  Not all males are men.
Men are a subset of all males.  Women are a subset of all females.  Not
all females are women.

 woman, n.,     1. an adult female person.
                2. womankind.
                3. femine nature or feeling. (politically incorrect)
                4. a mistress or sweethear. (politically incorrect)
                5. a female worker or servant. (politically incorrect)

 (I'd wager that the inclusion of 3, 4, and 5 (above) will cause the
  point to be missed).

Maybe if I did not go on in my studies to get the Ph.D., I would never
have learned this (he said sarcastically).  Woa to that psychology is
not rocket science.

Have fun!  :)    *shrug*

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