ChatterBank0 min ago
Does it really matter?
55 Answers
I know this is not really a news question, but since I have recently been criticised on this site for using the wrong term of address, I thought I would post on here in the hope that I may get an answer to my question.
On this mornings radio a presenter was introducing some woman spokesperson.
He started by saying welcome "whatever her name was" who is the Chair Woman of "such and such" an organisation, (please forgive me for not remembering the specific names)
To this introduction the woman rudely announced to the presenter " I do not wish to be called Chair Woman" "Then what do I call you then", asked the presenter, maybe 'Chair person'? No the woman sharply replied 'The Chair' that is what I should be addressed as.
Well the question I must ask is does it really matter, and even if it did was National Radio a suitable place to correct the presenter over such a trivial matter?
On this mornings radio a presenter was introducing some woman spokesperson.
He started by saying welcome "whatever her name was" who is the Chair Woman of "such and such" an organisation, (please forgive me for not remembering the specific names)
To this introduction the woman rudely announced to the presenter " I do not wish to be called Chair Woman" "Then what do I call you then", asked the presenter, maybe 'Chair person'? No the woman sharply replied 'The Chair' that is what I should be addressed as.
Well the question I must ask is does it really matter, and even if it did was National Radio a suitable place to correct the presenter over such a trivial matter?
Answers
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<<The Chairman of a company would find no difficulty in being called exactly what he was. >>
Really? Which Chairman are you referring to specifically? How many are you actually in contact with? Today I mean, not 30 years ago.
And do you understand the distinction between the 'Chairman' of the Board of Directors of a Company and the 'Chair' of a Committee. The former are most often referred to these days as Chief Executive to avoid the gender assumptions.
<<the 'feminist lobby' who have brought all this PC nonsense into fruition. >>
In the real professional world (not Old Git world) getting someone's name and title right isn't about being politically correct - just correct.
Really? Which Chairman are you referring to specifically? How many are you actually in contact with? Today I mean, not 30 years ago.
And do you understand the distinction between the 'Chairman' of the Board of Directors of a Company and the 'Chair' of a Committee. The former are most often referred to these days as Chief Executive to avoid the gender assumptions.
<<the 'feminist lobby' who have brought all this PC nonsense into fruition. >>
In the real professional world (not Old Git world) getting someone's name and title right isn't about being politically correct - just correct.
I agree, aog: she's rude. Madam Chair may wish to be identified with a piece of furniture when addressed within her own organisation, and good luck to her; but I don't see why she should expect to impose this on another organisation which is not addressing her at all, merely describing her. The BBC may well have its own internal style for describing people. I don't know what it is, but they are entitled to their usage too.
IMO, the radio station was not the place to throw a wobbly, I'd have just said "actually, I'm known as the Chair" - but that in itself is stupid. I chair a local voluntary committee and I've made it known that I am the Chairman, female or not. Our local mayors have been women for the last two administrations, and they are always called Mr Mayor. It's the post which carries the title, irrespective of male or female. No point in making a point, and making yourself look stupid in the process.
-- answer removed --
Its modern rather than old fashioned that's what it is.
Nothing to do with sexism or political correctness, we're beyond that really. Its just plain old fashioned not to accept that the position is know known as "Chair".
Similarly, I'm a Manager and its been a very long time since someone called me a Manageress. Its just dated language really. Another example is Head Teachers. (Not Headmaster or Headmistress, just Head Teachers now)
Nothing to do with sexism or political correctness, we're beyond that really. Its just plain old fashioned not to accept that the position is know known as "Chair".
Similarly, I'm a Manager and its been a very long time since someone called me a Manageress. Its just dated language really. Another example is Head Teachers. (Not Headmaster or Headmistress, just Head Teachers now)
Maidup
/// Its modern rather than old fashioned that's what it is.///
/// Nothing to do with sexism or political correctness, ///
Of course it is due to sexism and political correctness, why else is it only the feminist lobby that has started all this?
The same reason that it is modern as you put it, it was before PC was even heard of in the good old days, when one did not have to carry around a dictionary of 'modern' terms..
/// Its modern rather than old fashioned that's what it is.///
/// Nothing to do with sexism or political correctness, ///
Of course it is due to sexism and political correctness, why else is it only the feminist lobby that has started all this?
The same reason that it is modern as you put it, it was before PC was even heard of in the good old days, when one did not have to carry around a dictionary of 'modern' terms..
