Question

Which of the following is the best example of spotlighting?

pointing out a doctor is a woman
a teacher stating to her or his class that "each student should hand in his homework assignment"
using terms such as policeman or fireman instead of more inclusive terms
addressing a group of women and men as "you guys"

Answer 1

Spotlighting is best exemplified by indicating that a doctor is a woman, as it unnecessarily emphasizes gender in a professional role. To avoid gender bias, use gender-neutral language and pronouns, revising sentences to include terms such as 'their' instead of gender-specific pronouns.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best example of spotlighting is pointing out a doctor is a woman. Spotlighting refers to the unnecessary mention of a person's gender in a context where the gender is irrelevant or when it calls undue attention to gender when mentioning a profession or role that should be gender-neutral. By specifically pointing out the gender, it suggests that being a woman in that profession is unusual or noteworthy, which may unintentionally reinforce stereotypes or biases.

Rewriting sentences to eliminate gender bias involves using gender-neutral language, replacing pronouns with singular 'they', and avoiding assumptions about roles or professions based on gender. Here are revised versions of the provided sentences:

1. Each doctor will explain their own procedures.
2. When you call the technician, tell them the computer broke yesterday.
3. According to the guidelines, a writer needs to publish their manuscript in order to be eligible for the grant.
4. If I ever meet a member of Congress, I will tell them how upset I am with politics at the national level.
5. When a doctor wants to order gloves, they must speak to the office staff.

Using strategies such as these to avoid gender bias helps create more inclusive and respectful language that does not discriminate or single out individuals based on their gender.