[net.nlang] ...chairperson

kgdykes (07/08/82)

Then there is the problem:
 A report is being made about the referee(?) of a committee making
some sexist decision
Then, doesn't gender become significant in any reporting?
ie: it should be called chair[man|woman] rather than chairwhatever
    to help give background to the sexist action
that means that not only do we have to create a whole new set of
gender-less words but retain the gender-ed ones too! for there WILL be
situations were gender DOES count - as much as the anti-sexists would
want otherwise.

atbowler (07/09/82)

    In the case of a sexist ruling from the chair, use of the term
"chairwoman" would convey gender info.  However, use of the term
"chairman" would not.  I was taught that "chairman" is the preferred
form regardless of the sex of the person occupying the position.
If the person occupying the chair is a woman, the correct form
of address is "madame chairman", regardless of the age or marital status
(i.e. never "miss chairman").
If the person is male, the address is "mister chairman" regardless of age
(i.e. not "master chairman" he is a boy).