The discussion about what we call ourselves as female golfers is always one that will cause a reaction. For starters, I don’t want to be referred to as female. I know that’s what I am, but I immediately think of body parts (same as male), but perhaps that’s just me. If it’s not widely acceptable to refer to men as male, why should we be female? That’s exactly the point, we are all entitled to an opinion. What’s right and what’s wrong, who are we to decide?
There is, however, a need to move forward with sports and industries who are typically dominated by men and where women often struggle to own their titles or roles. It comes down to the correct use of language and what that language insinuates. Language matters, it directly impacts our subconscious
Often I’m called a lady professional and immediately the membership will assume I only teach women. Is it necessary to refer to a golf instructor’s gender at all? Socially pointing out gender often implies that we are bending the laws of tradition. When we say, “He’s a male nurse,” or “She’s a female doctor,” it implies that it’s unusual for those people to be in that role. A big deal is made out of it when actually there are far bigger fish to fry.
The Lady Golf Coach, Emma Brown, says that it wouldn’t sound right if she changed to the Woman Golf Coach, or the Female Golf Coach. Lady is approachable and friendly and reflects her personality. She says, “I don’t see what the big deal is, surely there are more important issues we need to tackle within the game?”
Should it matter what we call ourselves?
(Image credit: Future)
Language Matters
The language we use is important, and like any language, English reflects our society. There’s a heavy historical tide line that sees the English language being used as a way of oppressing colonies, a tool of racism, as well as a tool of sexism.
The British and North American versions of the English language are customised for the white male and to change the way we use language will take a great deal of acknowledgement before it changes to make everyone happy. Will this ever happen? I doubt it, as everyone has their own feelings, beliefs and identity. But at least with sports like golf chipping away, progress will be made.
Calling a group of women ‘girls’ is fine when it’s women themselves referring to each other, but when it is spoken from a man it’s deemed as patronising. Grown women are not merely girls. After all, we’d…
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