Princeton University’s HR Department: Don't Use Syllable "Man"

Princeton University’s HR department has warned against using certain words and phrases with “man” in them, because this kind of language “does not take into consideration individuals who identify as otherwise.”

The “Don’t Use” column of the “Guidelines for Using Gender Inclusive Language” includes language like “mankind,” “freshman,” and, thankfully, that heteronormative transphobic BS phrase “man and wife.”

Now, first of all, let me say that — as a female-identified person — I really am glad to see an Ivy League institution attempt to address the kinds of issues that impact us most. But at the same time, I’ve got to admit that certain things about these guidelines do bother me.

First of all: Their suggestion to replace the word “mankind” with “humanity.” Um, hellooo! The word “humanity” still has “man” in it, and that makes me feel hella triggered. Same goes for their telling people to say “manufactured” instead of “man made.” Yeah, you read that right… manufactured. MANufactured! As if that’s somehow better? Ugh.

But it gets worse: There are many problematic words and phrases that the guide left out entirely. For example: “manna.” I mean, whether we’re talking about bread from heaven or not, that syllable still has no place in a civilized society. And don’t even get me started on that movie The Omen. To be honest, I really can’t believe a movie with a title like that was ever even released, and think that it should probably be banned. Seeing as I am a reasonable person, however, I’d be totally willing to compromise and settle for just having the title be changed to “The O***” to avoid the risk of any further syllable-induced trauma. In fact, I think I’ll start a petition about this, so make sure to sign it — unless of course, the emotional well being of female-identified persons is not important to you. I’m serious . . . if your daughters and sisters and mothers and wives don’t matter to you, then please feel free to not.

#related#Oh, and men? Please do not try to tell me I am “wrong,” or that I am being “ridiculous” for feeling this way. You have no idea how it feels to have to go through life being brutally victimized by this syllable on a daily basis. Sometimes it makes it really difficult to focus at work, especially since I know I’m only making like 70 cents for every male-portrait-displaying dollar that you make for being there!

I’m sorry. I really don’t mean to sound ungrateful. I do think that this is hopeful progress — but I just cannot help but feel overwhelmed by how much still needs to be done.

This story was previously reported in an article on the College Fix.

— Katherine Timpf is a reporter for National Review Online.