Forced to point out, yet again, that saying someone needs “stones” or “balls” or “gonads” in order to do such-and-such is leaving out women. It’s a hold-over from the bad old days of sexism when women weren’t allowed to vote because, um, their brains were different or it would interfere with them having babies or something. Using the phrase today deliberately excludes women from the 21st Century. It actually physically hurts when I see or hear people of good mind and noble spirit use the terminology because it hurts all women every time you say it and I know you don’t mean it that way but that is what you are saying so (takes a mental breath) please don’t. Please.
Not by way of excuse, but as an aside, a dear friend of mine did once accuse me of not having the ovaries to stand up to someone (she is refreshinly direct, and largely unconstrained)...so I would argue that "gonads" (at least) is, by definition, not necessarily sexist.
But I did not mean to, and do not wish to, offend. Thank you.
Forced to point out, yet again, that saying someone needs “stones” or “balls” or “gonads” in order to do such-and-such is leaving out women. It’s a hold-over from the bad old days of sexism when women weren’t allowed to vote because, um, their brains were different or it would interfere with them having babies or something. Using the phrase today deliberately excludes women from the 21st Century. It actually physically hurts when I see or hear people of good mind and noble spirit use the terminology because it hurts all women every time you say it and I know you don’t mean it that way but that is what you are saying so (takes a mental breath) please don’t. Please.
Fair enough, and I am suitably chastised.
Not by way of excuse, but as an aside, a dear friend of mine did once accuse me of not having the ovaries to stand up to someone (she is refreshinly direct, and largely unconstrained)...so I would argue that "gonads" (at least) is, by definition, not necessarily sexist.
But I did not mean to, and do not wish to, offend. Thank you.
Thank you for your gracious and generous response. Would that all had your openness of mind and kindness of intention. You made my day.