Culturally sensitive people do not use derogatory terms to refer to people of different race, lifestyles, or genders from their own. Language Is Power. The power to name is one of the key ways in which the powerful dominate the powerless. Sharing the power to name among people acknowledges everyone's right to fix his or her own identity and promotes good will among communicators. Sexist Language Undermines Equality.
Sexist language is biased language that perpetuates stereotypes about gender.
Sexist language reinforces the idea that vast differences exist between men and women and make one superior to the other. Culturally sensitive people monitor their language to avoid terms that suggest differences. Strategies Can Compensate for Bias. Use gender-neutral pronouns when you are not dealing specifically with men or women, for example, by using plurals. Substitute inclusive terms such as workers for workmen.