The language has nothing to do with it. In English, the words Farmer and
Gardener are gender neutral. In many other languages the words can be, and
are, either Feminine or Masculine, depending on the language. In Spanish
Agricultura which I believe literally means Agriculturist, but is used as
us English speakers use "Farmer". Agricultura is feminine. So what? It
is defined in terms of linguistics and by language experts as being
"feminine". The fact that an overwhelming majority of Agriculturas
(farmers) in Spanish speaking countries are men is unimportant and a red
herring in the debate of who is acting as the best "Steward" of the land.
For anyone who has ever lived in, or even been around, a Spanish or
Hispanic culture, you know the nature of "Maschismo" in all Spanish
cultures. Fro those who are unfamiliar with it, Latin men are extremely
sensitive about their position of domination in the family unit and in
society in general. One of the greatest insults one can hurl at any
Spanish or Latin man is t in any way challenge his manhood. Yet I do not
see a grand effort to change the Spanish language in such a way as to make
the noun masculine. In fact, there is zero movement in that direction.
So why do WE have supporters of Women's Rights and organizations like NOW
screaming their heads off about the gender neutral use of the English
pronoun He? And why are so many otherwise well educated and intelligent
women caught up in this movement to change the language? Why waste energy
and effort on a useless project instead of investing it in fighting the
real enemies of sustainable agriculture; the chemical companies.
--Dan in Sunny Puerto Rico--
ddworley@caribe.net
dan.worley@mindless.com
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