• minnow@lemmy.world
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    14 days ago

    There definitely are females out there

    The use of “females” here is objectifying, and generally frowned upon. Here’s a way to avoid this mistake in the future: replace “females” with the word “people” and if it works grammatically and in the context of what you’re saying (eg, you’re not talking about animals) then you should be using “women” instead of “females.”

    • GrymEdm@lemmy.world
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      14 days ago

      Thank you for clarifying, I appreciate it. I didn’t know that, but I’m not going to stop using the word “female” for reasons I put in another post just above.

      • ShareMySims@sh.itjust.works
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        14 days ago

        “Thanks for explaining why using this word in that way is problematic and makes the people it is attempting to describe uncomfortable, but I don’t actually give a shit and will continue to use it regardless” 🙄

      • minnow@lemmy.world
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        14 days ago

        I’m not telling you to stop using the word altogether, just trying to help you understand why some uses are inappropriate and will garner ire from others. It’s fine if you want to say “well that’s their problem” but alternatively you could try to have some empathy. Broadly speaking, being considerate of others rarely requires anything of you, and helps make the world a better place.

        But if that’s asking too much, I understand.

        Edit to add: this applies to the usage of “males” and “females” equally. By continuing to use this terms inappropriately, you’re not somehow promoting equality, you’re just being stubborn about using hurtful language.

        • minnow@lemmy.world
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          14 days ago

          I’m not telling you to stop using the word altogether, just trying to help you understand why some uses are inappropriate and will garner ire from others. It’s fine if you want to say “well that’s their problem” but alternatively you could try to have some empathy. Broadly speaking, being considerate of others rarely requires anything of you, and helps make the world a better place.

          But if that’s asking too much, I understand.

          Edit to add: this applies to the usage of “males” and “females” equally. By continuing to use this terms inappropriately, you’re not somehow promoting equality, you’re just being stubborn about using hurtful language.

          Edit 2: It’s possible that your usage of “male” wasn’t problematic, I’d have to see the post. But if it was problematic, and others didn’t call it out, that’s a failure on their part. I don’t see why the hypocrisy of others should excuse your inappropriate usage of if certain words, that feels very… Whataboutism, perhaps? Anyway, I get why you’re frustrated. Sorry you’re dealing with that, but please don’t be a bad person just to spite others. You’re obviously smart and caring, and I think you can do better if you wanted to.