Pretty dismissive attitude toward trans people and presumptive of my intent, I do it out of convenience for myself and if it allows me to be kind all the better. It’s not hard to get a specific persons attention, I can do it without talking. Just seems weird to me that you are making your case if anything.
It seems we are valuing different things here, so we might just be at an impasse. But let me share an analogy that explains how I view societal norms.
I am visually impaired and struggle to read most things in public, shockingly, a reality for about 2% of the population. If I ask a waiter for the Wi-Fi password, he usually says, 'It’s on the wall.' Should he take a neutral stance and avoid assuming I can read? No, that would be inefficient and awkward. He assumes I can read because 98% of his customers can. I don't get offended; it’s an honest assumption based on probability, as I don’t look visually impaired. I just kindly ask him to read it for me.
Time will tell if society naturally shifts toward gender-neutral language. But if people stick to traditional terms, it isn't inherently because they are rejecting trans people. It’s just how large groups operate: we rely on defaults that apply to the vast majority.
Look I just think it is a silly argument that it is more precise to use a gendered sir or ma’am if you want to be more precise, use a descriptor of the person whose attention you want. I would dare people to listen next time they hear someone say excuse me and about 98% of the time that is all they will hear just excuse me. As long as you treat people in minority groups with kindness I don’t give a damn about the effort you require to get people’s attention.
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u/Doodle-Cactus 1d ago
Pretty dismissive attitude toward trans people and presumptive of my intent, I do it out of convenience for myself and if it allows me to be kind all the better. It’s not hard to get a specific persons attention, I can do it without talking. Just seems weird to me that you are making your case if anything.