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Archiver > APG > 2001-04 > 0987986626


From: S & R Chernoff <>
Subject: [APG] Politically Correct Genealogy
Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2001 18:45:30 -0600
References: <200104230010.f3N0AlP16126@lists2.rootsweb.com>


I have been lurking while this topic has gone around and around and now I feel the urge to add my two cents to the conversation <VBG>.

As a paralegal I am used to using the he/she in some legal documents while in others a disclaimer is used when reference throughout the document is "he". In this
small part of the world little things like this make a BIG difference because of the legal implications.

For example, in a Will if the Testator/Testatrix stipulates two Executors - one male and one female the clause following the designation will always carry the
he/she or she/he phrases. He/she is used where the first executor named is male and the second female while the She/he is used in the opposite scenario.

In the case of an Agreement for Sale or an Offer to Purchase there is a specific clause added to these documents using the disclaimer that the "he" used
throughout the document refers to the male gender, the female gender and the neutral gender ("it" - in the case of corporations) as well as a disclaimer
regarding the singular and plural.

When teaching my beginners classes I state up front that I am using the pronoun "he" for ease and brevity. To date I have had absolutely no complainants about
this process. My clients reports are closely analysed and where necessary the pronouns are changed in accordance with what I am trying to tell the client. No
matter who the client is my objective is to make sure that they understand the Report. I usually employ my spouse as a proof-reader since he knows very little
about genealogy - if he understands what I am saying in that report and if the report is clear to him then I know my client will understand what I am saying.

I think perhaps that it really is time to get back to the basics and use common sense (or horse sense or street sense), and GOOD CLEAR CONCISE English (or
whatever language you might be using in your reports) and let's worry a little bit less about being politically correct.

'Nuff said - I'll get off my soap box now - thank you for listening.

Rita Chernoff, cgrs

CGRS is a service mark of the Board for Certification of Genealogists,
used under license after periodic evaluations by the Board.

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