There are people amongst us who identify as non-binary. This means that their gender identity does not exclusively align with either male or female. They may identify as both, neither, or a varying combination of both. So to use the pronouns he/him/his or she/her/hers won’t be accurate. Hence, non-binary people use they/them/their as their pronouns. Gender-neutral pronouns offer a way for people to express their gender identity authentically and for others to affirm and respect that identity. This creates a more inclusive and respectful environment for them.
In fact, if you look at several Indian languages, say for example Hindi, there are gender-neutral pronouns in use. ‘Unhe’, ‘Unke’ and ‘Unse’ are gender-neutral pronouns. So to call the use of gender-neutral pronouns a “western concept” would be grossly inaccurate.
However, Bhavish Aggarwal, the CEO of Ola Cabs, in a recent post on X wrote how he hopes that the “pronoun illness” doesn’t reach India, insinuating that we are copying the West when it comes to learning and using gender-neutral pronouns.
“Hoping that this ‘pronoun illness’ doesn’t reach India. Many ‘big city schools’ in India are now teaching it to kids. Also see many CVs with pronouns these days. Need to know where to draw the line in following the west blindly!”
Have a look at his post here:
Hoping that this “pronoun illness” doesn’t reach India.
Many “big city schools” in India are now teaching it to kids. Also see many CVs with pronouns these days. Need to know where to draw the line in following the west blindly! pic.twitter.com/q4CwiV6dkE
— Bhavish Aggarwal (@bhash) May 5, 2024
However, several people online schooled him on the necessity to use gender-neutral pronouns in the first place. Using someone’s preferred gender-neutral pronouns shows respect for their identity and validates their sense of self. Also, with changing times, language also changes. Why is it easy for people to use words like ‘delulu’ and ‘rizz’ but not they/them pronouns?
Respecting pronouns is a basic act of decency, not an illness.
Using someone’s correct pronouns is the bare minimum, to respect LGBTQ+ folks.
You’re tweeting this just a month before Pride Month is celebrated and I’d suggest you take this time to follow thought Queer leaders…
— Mani (@megabored) May 6, 2024
it’s not an illness bhavish, just grammar. if the model cannot confirm your gender, this is the grammatically correct way to refer to you. this is why I think AI should assume female as default, at least the meltdowns will be interesting https://t.co/f5S4qqsRWE
— Chandni (@chandniverse) May 6, 2024
Incredible fight to start in a country where most languages have entirely different approaches to gender and formality in pronouns, at a time when ML translation still doesn't fully get the difference between 'him' and 'her' https://t.co/J0UeR8CLs7
— Rosie Roti (@supriyan) May 6, 2024
It's sad to see business leaders trivialising such serious issues. Gender identity is neither a joke nor an 'illness'.
It costs heterosexuals zilch to be accommodating to such a basic need of those from the LGBTQIA+ community. The least one can do is be kind & accepting. https://t.co/Tauc2baZyf— Simran Thakur (@SimranThakur1) May 5, 2024
The most hilarious part about this post is that his entire business is copied from West but sir has to become low key Elon Musk 🤣🧿 https://t.co/h4LiziTfr3
— Vipul (@productpikachu) May 6, 2024
A basic refresher on grammar first – 'They' is a gender neutral pronoun and it's absolutely ok to use when AI or a human doesn't know your gender. Secondly, you are the CEO of a huge company, so educate yourself on gender identities before declaring something as an 'illness'. https://t.co/BbpgHibreH
— Anupama Dalmia (@Anupama_Dalmia) May 6, 2024
You’re much too late, darling. Pronouns have spread to every Indian language 🧐 https://t.co/QQregC3NHv
— Daisy Rockwell ڈیزی راکویل डेज़ी राक्वैल (@shreedaisy) May 6, 2024
Using Gender neutral pronouns isn't an illness; it's about inclusivity and respect for everyone's identity.
If someone is hurt by it, it is probably from a lack of understanding or an “illness” of fear of change.
When unsure of someone's gender based on their name or… https://t.co/wIHv71t3ym pic.twitter.com/KqwKbi6mXT
— Sadanand (youtube @stopitsada) (@MrSadanand) May 5, 2024
You don’t worry about pronouns, worry about the e-scooters going boom-boom every other day. https://t.co/zbzx5L6ACF
— Aakash (@akok0000) May 5, 2024
Many Indian languages have gender neutral pronouns. Have some actual culture and understand languages better. It's not new to India.
Being an Indian you should know better. https://t.co/FeJVqr8uTw— tortured nav (@Itsmeenav) May 6, 2024
Language evolves with societal changes. As our understanding of gender identity expands, so does our linguistic toolkit.