PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
WEEK 11 STYLE EXERCISES – AVOID SEXIST AND DISCRIMINATORY LANGUAGE
SOME SUGGESTED ANSWERS

Exercise 3: Rewrite these sentences to avoid discriminatory language. The AGPS Style Manual has many excellent alternative expressions if you find this difficult. For a quick guide through some of the issues, try this tutorial. (also in the web page but here it is again just in case you missed it the first time).

1) The interview for the position of accountant should find the best man for the job.

Suggested Answer: The interview for the position of accountant should find the best person for the job.

Explanation: The term ‘the best man for the job’ uses man as a generic. This implies that women are excluded from this position. 'Person' is neutral and inoffensive.

2) He’s away so much he’s as bad a black fellow going walkabout.

Suggested Answer: He seems to have a high rate of absenteeism.

Explanation: Racist implications have no place in modern life. They are derogatory and demeaning. Be specific without resorting to these old fashioned expressions.

3) Computers have improved man’s working life enormously.

Suggested Answer: Computers have improved people’s working lives enormously.

Explanation: As with (1), the use of the generic ‘man’ is the problem here. Men are not the only ones who work and women make up 52% of the population