When I started as a lawyer it was common for other lawyers, usually (but not always) older, to refer to their clerk as "my girl" (as in, "I'll have my girl send a confirmation"). While there was no intended offence (there was often affection for the clerk) the phrase was offensive. By definition it suggested lawyers were men and staff were women who never quite made it to adulthood.
In fairness, the councillor may well have not appreciated the offensive nature of his comment. That said, it's a pretty obvious slur and people speaking in public ought to be careful as to what language they use; language matters. Someone who goes to a council meeting ought not to have to be concerned that they are viewed as an ethnic stereotype rather than a citizen.
James Morton
1100-5255 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario
M2N 6P4
416 225 2777
1 comment:
"... Language is built on history and where that history is bigoted the language reflects the bigotry."
Don't agree. Language is built on EXPERIENCE and language is used to describe/recount history.
No wonder you Liberals get confused about reality.
Michael St.Paul's
Post a Comment