re: #187 Obdicut

If you have time, check out the link on ‘stereotype threat’ above. It shows how deeply ingrained the negative self-views are, but it also shows that these problems can be addressed. But it’s also one of the reasons people differentiate themselves from stereotyped groups; it’s a coping mechanism.

I’ve heard the term before and I took a quick look at the Wiki article. It reflects (and clarifies) something I’ve believed since the early ’80s.

Avoiding the use of gender specific terms that carry a negative connotation isn’t as important as pointing out the idea behind the word is unacceptable. Removing a word outright is something I wouldn’t consider, but I do think trying to de-normalize the idea behind a word through de-normalizing the word itself is a part of changing attitudes. But only a part. IMHO, the main push should be education starting in grade school.