Biased language makes it seem that one thing or person is better or worse than another. Examples include, "men are better than women", "young people are better than older people" and "the rich are better than the poor". Even when the bias is not as explicit as these, the use of certain words still conveys this impression.
"A good manager enforces his instructions consistently" is biased in favour of the male gender. Similarly, the statements, "a good nurse exhibits good rapport with her patients" is biased against the male gender. In the former case, the statement suggest that managers are usually men. In the latter case, a reader takes away the impression that nurses are usually women. Gone are the days when users of language were not sensitive to gender relationships. In contemporary times, speakers do so at their own peril.
They may be branded male chauvinists or feminists in the worst sense of the words if their styles consistently show a gender preference. Language that is neutral is a solution in the matter.
"A good manager enforces his instructions consistently" is biased against the female gender because it suggests that ____________
A. female managers are hated B. female managers cannot enforce instructions C. managers are usually men D. all male managers are good
