Disney plans to remove gendered language

[AgnosticBoy]

Background:

Disney parks are axing gendered language such as "boys and girls" in their park greetings to promote gender inclusivity, according to video of a company executive.

"We want to create that magical moment with our cast members, with our guests," she said. "And we don't want to just assume because someone might be in, our interpretation, may be presenting as female that they may not want to be 'princess.'

- Fox News

As reported by Newsweek, Vivian Ware, Disney’s diversity and inclusion manager, made remarks in a video posted to Twitter yesterday. This video showed a meeting within the company about gender and inclusivity.

Last summer, Ware said that Disney removed all gendered greetings in live spiels, narrations that accompany attractions. According to Ware along with the company, this new initiative is another step toward a more progressive and inclusive experience both inside and outside of the company.

According to Ware, removing gendered language from the Disney Parks has given Cast Members more opportunities to be creative, expressive, and personal when interacting with Guests. Ware also encouraged those within the meeting to think differently about how they can engage Guests “in a meaningful and inclusive way that makes it magical and memorable for everyone.”

- InsideTheMagic.net

My immediate thoughts on gender-neutral language is that it will eventually lead to a gender-neutral society where the differences between boys and girls are no longer distinguished. That is probably extreme since I don't think anyone would get away with doing that given that there are obviously biological or physical differences that can't be ignored for medical reasons, reproductive reasons, in sports, etc.

For Debate:
1. So what do you think about this? Is it harmful to society if we remove "gendered" language?
2. Is there a way to keep gendered language while also not making anyone (esp. those who identify as non-binary) feel discriminated against?
3. Will removing gendered language to promote inclusivity lead to a gendered neutral society?

 

[AgnosticBoy]

Is there a way to keep gendered language while also not making anyone (esp. those who identify as non-binary) feel discriminated against?

One way to do this is not by taking out gender completely, which would only promote gender neutrality. But rather we should include gender and also mention "non-gender" (e.g. Ladies, Gentlemen, and the non-gendered").