'Françaises, Français': Why the French language need not be so sexist

[Sympthsical]

49. But the thing is, I don't want you to be quiet

Just speak to your own experience. As long as I know you're trying to understand and listening, then you and I are chill. No one is 100% correct on anything in this world. I'm not going to jump down your throat because you didn't articulate your thinking clearly enough for my personal satisfaction.

And that's what drives me crazy. I can immediately tell when someone's trying to be empathetic and sensitive, even if what they're saying isn't exactly right. It's not a motto or an oath that must be recited exactly word for word. If you and I had a conversation over a beer, I'd catch within three minutes your attitude and intention.

So it's so frustrating when I see these linguistic martinets berating straight people who are already on our side. "You didn't say this exactly the way I wanted you to! Straight privilege!" Get out of my face with that nonsense. It's alienating and intimidating to people who are already disposed towards our cause.

Even if you don't put the words in the exact order that is "correct," I still want to hear from you. It's important for you to be participant. Then we can have a conversation and understand each other.

Silence is not preferable. You do you. And if you mean well, people of good faith will catch it and recognize you as an ally. If someone berates you because you didn't articulate the way they prefer, I promise, 99% of the time they're taking out their own personal bullshit on you.

And it's not fair. Not to you, not to us, not to anyone.