- “Man” in certain contexts is shorthand for “Human” or “Humankind”. Imagine how tedious it would be to write a sentence where everytime you wanted to use this shorthand, you’d instead “Men, Women and Children”.
- OP even said “Men, women and children died because of who they were”, so your point of “referring to the dead collectively as men” makes no sense.
- 99.9% of people reading OP’s comment wouldn’t have even begun thinking about this.
Overall, I think it’s more insensitive to read a comment like OP’s, and instead of taking the right point home and moving along, you decide to nitpick in an attempt at some sort of “Gotcha”, which couldn’t have been done more wrongly and with such confidence (or arrogance?)
Overall I think you’re missing the point. The terms “man” and “mankind” have historically been used to refer to humanity as a whole, but their continued use is a subtle reinforcement of a male-centric view of the world. To suggest that “mankind” encapsulates all human beings is not just an oversight; it perpetuates a narrative where men are the default and women are an afterthought. This linguistic practice not only erases the presence of women but also reinforces patriarchal structures that have long excluded them from full participation and recognition.
Language shapes our reality. When we default to male-oriented terms to describe humanity, we implicitly suggest that men are the standard against which all others are measured. This isn’t merely about semantics; it’s about recognising the inherent dignity and equality of all people. Using “humankind” or “humanity” acknowledges the full spectrum of our species, respecting the contributions and existence of everyone, not just half of the population.
The argument that such terms are convenient or traditional falls apart when we consider the power of language to shape thought. Just as we have evolved from archaic practices and beliefs, our language must evolve to reflect a more inclusive and respectful understanding of our shared human experience. clinging to “mankind” is not a mere linguistic preference; it’s a refusal to fully acknowledge and respect the equal humanity of women.
I think you are missing the point here. Whenever anyone reads “Mankind”, they think of everyone. Not just the men. It’s not making anyone an after-thought.
Although I think you are not arguing in good faith I will once again attempt to make it crystal clear to you. The argument isn’t about what people currently understand when they read “mankind,” but rather about the subtle implications and historical context of the term. Language evolves, and the shift towards more inclusive terms like “humankind” reflects a broader recognition of equality and inclusiveness.
While many people do understand “mankind” to mean all humans, the term’s roots in a male-centric view of the world can perpetuate outdated notions. By consciously choosing language that explicitly includes everyone, we make a small but significant step towards a more inclusive society. It’s about acknowledging and respecting all members of humanity equally, without relying on language that has historically excluded or marginalised women.
I can not be more clear and “on target” to the point than this.