Why US Diplomat Steered State Dept To Use Gender-Inclusive Language

During a recent communication, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has issued a directive urging State Department employees to adopt gender-neutral language and avoid terms such as "mother," "father," and "manpower." This move is part of the Biden administration's commitment to inclusivity and recognition of diverse gender identities.

Blinken's Perspective on Gender as a Social Construct

The document, titled "Modeling DEIA: Gender Identity Best Practices," dated February 5, highlights Blinken's belief that gender is a social construct and may not align with one's assigned sex at birth. Blinken encourages the use of gender-neutral language as a way to foster respect and prevent misunderstandings within the department.

Pronouns and Respect

Blinken's directive extends to the use of preferred pronouns in emails and introductions during meetings. He emphasizes the importance of respecting individuals' choices and acknowledging pronouns like she/her, he/him, they/them, and ze/zir. The memo highlights that the decision to use multiple pronouns or accept all pronouns is a personal one and should be respected.

Moving Beyond Traditional Phrases

The internal communication instructs State Department workers to avoid gendered phrases such as "manpower," "ladies and gentlemen," "son/daughter," and "husband/wife." Instead, employees are encouraged to adopt alternatives like "labor force," "everyone," "folks," and neutral terms such as "parent," "child," and "spouse" or "partner."

Rethinking Expressions

Staff members are directed to rethink commonly used expressions like "brave men and women on the front lines." Blinken suggests using more specific language, such as "brave first responders," "brave soldiers," or "brave DS agents," promoting a more nuanced and inclusive approach to verbal communication.

Bridging the Gap Between Directive and Practice

An intriguing observation arises from Blinken's own messaging on Veterans Day, where he referred to "the brave men and women who served our country." This apparent deviation from his own advice raises questions about the practical application of the directive and highlights the challenges of language transformation.

Blinken's Call for Subtlety and Understanding

The memo advises employees on how to handle unintentional pronoun errors, urging them to approach the situation with "subtlety and grace." Recognizing the fluidity of gender identity, Blinken emphasizes the importance of remaining attuned and supportive of shifts in pronouns.

Blinken's directive reflects a broader societal shift toward more inclusive language, challenging traditional gender norms within the State Department. As employees navigate these language changes, the call for respect, understanding, and adaptability becomes essential in fostering an environment that embraces the diversity of gender identities.