Illinois bans male pronoun

Charles Doyle cdoyle at UGA.EDU
Fri Jan 5 15:12:57 UTC 2007


I'm intrigued by the concept of BUILDING HOLES, whatever their sex or gender!

It's reminiscent of Milton's Satan: Having just overheard the prohibition regarding the Tree of Knowledge, he exclaims, "O fair foundation laid whereon to build / Their ruin!"

--Charlie
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---- Original message ----
>Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2007 12:16:01 -0800
>From: Jonathan Lighter <wuxxmupp2000 at YAHOO.COM>
>Subject: Re: Illinois bans male pronoun
>To: ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
>
>
>The story appears to be true. _Time_ (Oct. 2, 1978) [from Time Online]:
>
>  "When the city council of Woonsocket, R.I., three weeks ago approved some job descriptions that eliminated supposedly sexist language, a utility man became a utility person, whose duties included "building personholes." Ever since, Woonsocket has been the butt of jokes from as far away as California, prompting Francis Lanctot, a councilman, er, person, to voice his feelings in verse.
>
>  JL

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