Girl + Computer = ?: Gender Neutrality in Statistics Class, Please!
The only thing that was kindof wacky about the example was it used the term “gender” to mean “sex.”
…
It wasn’t a big deal, except then my professor went on a small rant about how in a previous semester a student of his had a big blow-up to him about it saying “sex is biological, gender is a choice!” He said all of it so mockingly, and even went on to say sarcastically, “I’m a dude because I chose to be.”
…
I found it rather inappropriate for a math professor to be speaking this way to a room full of students. I wonder if he considered the fact that he might have seriously alienated some students by his comment?
…
Should I even have to ask for some gender-kindness in my classrooms?? Thoughts?!
Yeah, you may need to ask for it, but hopefully it won’t be because people are knowingly being rude. It could be that they aren’t interpreting their words the same way you are.
Check out definition 2a for gender. Many people (possibly even most) use “sex” and “gender” interchangeably to distinguish individuals within a species based on certain physical attributes. Often those who are in tune with the social issues at stake prefer to use the definitions you use.
When a word has multiple definitions people can often discern what definition was intended based on the context. For instance, when I ask, “what is your sex?” and “how often do you have sex?” it’s clear which definition I’m using in both cases. Knowing which definition of “gender” a speaker intends is particularly difficult because usually both are applicable. For example, if a bubble sheet for a standardized test asks for your gender it’s unclear whether it means physical sex or expression of self-identification. Whenever the definitions of “gender” the listener and speaker have in mind differ, somebody will probably feel alienated.
I’ve identified as a feminist for several years, even before I took a gender studies class in college. Despite that I have to admit it wasn’t until that class that I learned the useful distinction between “sex” and “gender”. Prior to that there may have been times where I was unknowingly as offensive to some people as your statistics professor was to you. Fortunately I know now how to avoid that mistake.
Keep your mind open enough to realize that not everyone is speaking the same language. When it seems like some translation is in order, step in and educate. Empathize with those who simply don’t know. It’s not their fault. You might even be able to replace apparent ignorance and insensitivity with mutual understanding. As an experiment maybe you could try speaking with this professor during his office hours.
Keep writing!
