[Marxism] Re: on sexist language

[Tony Hartin <tony.hartin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

J Scotlive wrote:
> I reject completely the notion that in a Marxist Party, organisation, or
> discussion list people should be ringfenced according to race, sex or any other
> false division bestowed upon us by the bourgeoisie.

In the world we live in these divisions are real, so we should avoid 
language
that alienates 1/2 of the potential list members

> The word 'whore' has been assimilated into the lexicon of everyday language

the lexicon of everyday language contains sexist elements - this instance 
being one of them

> as has 'pimp' (which men could find offensive) and others.

hardly. The pimp is in the position of power/exploiter

> This divorces us from the issue of class as the root of the real division 
> within society,
> and language as a symptom of that division.

This is nothing to do with the relative weight of class versus gender

> I have female comrades who would agree with me on this; in fact I was
> involved in a lengthy conversation on that very subject last night after, as I
> said, yet another meeting on the factional fight which is currently tearing
> the SSP apart.

this list isn't an extension of the arena for your faction fight

> The contradictions regarding language and expression on this
> list reflects the contradictions which exist within our society under 
> capitalism.

yes, but we don't have to merely reflect them

> We do not recruit people to our politics by appearing, speaking and acting so
> different to them.

but we have to argue with them when they engage in behaviour that divides 
them

> As for your assertion that 'my head should roll' thank you very much for
> confirming my use of the term socialist taliban.

err.. can we avoid both examples of dramatic gestures here.

cheers,
Tony


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