Amending gender

Fri, May 16 12:45 AM

Since time immemorial we have had discussions/debates/protests about gender equality. While in India it seems to fall on deaf ears, Australian Prime Minister has heard it loud and clear and has taken a decision in the favour of the fairer sex, on papers at least.

Kevin Rudd has made more than 500 amendments to 88 laws to remove gender-specific language in favour of neutral words. So every 'his' is changed to 'his or her'.

Words like 'chairman' and 'workmen' have been replaced by 'chair' and 'workers'. And not to mention, 'himself' has a 'herself' too.

While some term it a politically correct move, others are happy (read women) that they are getting their due. Back home, nothing has changed and even if it does, many rubbish it as a 'just on paper' exercise.

But we asked a few known faces what they have to say about the move. Pooja Bedi It's wonderful because they are looking at finer details like gender.

The fact that the leader of the country has taken a step in this direction is applaudable, even though it's just in the books. But in India, I think the laws are so draconian and outdated that we need to first change them.

Gender comes much later. For example, the law on homosexuality, which was created by the British in 1880s, calls it a criminal offence.

Brits themselves have gone ahead and amended the law, but we still follow the obsolete law. Alyque Padamsee I am all for gender equality and it's a good step.

Changing words like 'his' to 'his and her' and 'workmen' to 'workers' is good but it's ridiculous to call 'chairman' a 'chair'. Is the person inanimate? Chairperson is a better replacement.

So my point is if the change is done wisely, it's a good move towards gender equality. I would suggest use the plural to avoid absurd words.

Cyrus Sahukar It's a great idea if you have a lot of time in hand. See, Australia has a population of 20 million people.

They can afford to do this shit. In our country, half of the population do not even have food and #8230; we have bigger issues to look at.

And anyway, what worries me the most is how would you be politically correct with words like manhole, asshole and how would Indians abuse, what will happen to the MCs and the BCs? Rahul Bose It's great. Some women will be amazed.

Though people will rubbish it of being just on paper, but I feel even this will help instil in the younger generation some kind of respect for women. While they still debate, I wonder what if we had to make titles gender specific.

I can't even think of Rashtrapatibeing changed to Rashtrapatni.

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