Honestly with Bari Weiss

Debating Pronouns with John McWhorter

125 snips
Apr 3, 2025
In this discussion, John McWhorter, an esteemed linguistics professor and New York Times columnist, dives into the complexities of modern pronouns, especially the singular 'they.' He argues that language evolves and reflects societal changes, sparking a debate about respect and identity. McWhorter examines the implications of adopting they/them for children and the tension it creates regarding traditional gender roles. He advocates for inclusive dialogue around linguistic norms while acknowledging the political ramifications of these shifts in language.
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ANECDOTE

Peterson and Pronouns

  • John McWhorter recalls asking Jordan Peterson how he could discern genuine "they/them" pronoun requests from fake ones.
  • Peterson's lack of a direct answer led McWhorter to advocate for politeness and using "they/them" when asked, regardless.
INSIGHT

Politeness vs. Reality

  • Pronoun debates highlight a tension between politeness and asserting reality, especially regarding biological sex.
  • Using "they/them" can feel less dislocating than using gendered pronouns that contradict perceived biological sex.
INSIGHT

"They/Them": An Elegant Solution?

  • "They/them" offers a convenient way to avoid specifying gender, aligning with languages like Chinese.
  • Creating new pronouns is difficult; "they/them" utilizes existing language, unlike unsuccessful attempts like "ze/zir."
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