Material that gives the impression that all girls are timid, all boys brave, or all older people sweet is inappropriate. The fact that everyone feels anger, sadness, joy or pride at various times should be evident. Such references include the woman judge, the male secretary, the Indian lawyer. Benefits and privileges are assigned on the basis of ability and individual preference rather than gender. The experiences and viewpoints of people of both genders are presented.
Letter carrier is preferred to postman, people to mankind, chairperson to chairman.
Use ladies and gentlemen or women and men, but not men and ladies. Words such as poetess and authoress are inappropriate. Return to Table of Contents Portrayal of People From Various Cultures Materials used in schools should show respect for people of all cultural backgrounds. In materials that are fair and equitable, accounts of the experiences of people from various cultural groups are presented from their viewpoints and events occurring in specific cultures are evaluated against the standards and expectations of that culture. This is the case for presentations of all peoples world-wide.