When will we stop using the word 'Man' and start using 'Human'?

Question

I am a 4th year student at a Canadian university studying biology and anthropology. Our profs really encourage use to use the term 'Human' opposed to 'Man' when speaking about **** sapiens' evolution. When will the rest of the world (including academics) wake up and start using this term? I am not Man. I am Human.

I can also spell correctly. And yes. I am a feminist. But it has nothing to do with the question. A feminist is someone (male or female) who believes in equal rights for both sexes. Usually, that same sort of person also disagrees with racism, etc... But the question is for the sake of correct terms in the academic world. It has nothing to do with my socio-political views.

Also, there's no need for people to be ignorant when answering.

Dear Novangelis,

Funny you mention 1984 and the elimination of the expression of ideas... For to use the term 'Human' instead of 'Man' is a new idea, and to just follow what it always has been because that is the way things were/are is what is stifling expression.

And don't you worry - my 'real' world is going to be one of continued academics. I'll be safe and cozy in my little ivory tower ;)

Answer 1

Maybe as soon as we all start acting that way?


Doug

Answer 2

Who knows? Predicting the future is not my bag of tricks. I also do not believe in accepting something as wrong just because someone else doesn't like it. The English language is not exactly simple. It's rules aren't really rules. Much of the language is based upon tradition. One rule, not a tradition, is that the context of the word should be understood. You are upset over nothing. The context of the word man clearly, by tradition and usage, refers to humans. Another word is mankind. Put another way, not after plantkind or tigerkind. You can fight it or be upset if you want. I don't have to believe it or follow it. Don't worry, I won't live forever. Neither will anyone else. Things change. Right is right and wrong is wrong no matter who lives or dies, no matter what a person thinks or feels. I hope you can accept that if nothing else.

Answer 3

I try not to trample on the language of Shakespeare. English uses the same word, whereas in Latin there is vir (man) and hominem (Man). I will continue to use Man whenever I feel the need, especially in reference to the duality Man/God. I will not capitalize human except at the beginning of sentences. Reread 1984 in which Newspeak is designed to turn the population into sheep by eliminating the ability to express ideas. If your a 4th year, you leave the ivory tower soon. Get ready for the REAL world.

Answer 4

I apologize in advance for this 'sticky wicket' but I think the convention originates in prehistory. Most of the early references in secular and sacred textual accounts concerning humanity refer to 'man' and the usage is not gender specific.

There will never be a universally accepted label. Our politics and other mechanisms for polarity will see to that. Somebody will always be offended at any one term being used. There will always be criticism because somebody somewhere will assume themselves appointed the anointed label maker of the world for humanity. When I was young I was that person.

All else aside, I like the term human too and use it myself; but like it or not males are still men and females are still women and 'man' is an appropriate term in the context of humanity. The substance behind a label is "what it represents" more than the "actual label" itself. We're just a persnickety lot we humans!

Answer 5

I don't see the importance of a word. Personally I'm human, man, husband, father, brother,American, Earthling, and mammal. The real question is when will the world wake up and start calling each other "brother" (as in equal not male)

Answer 6

I don't know "man", Maybe never. I think if you prefer the word "human" over "man" then go ahead. Just don't try to guilt me into conforming to your overly PC socially hyper-sensitive culture. That would be ethnocentrism. I would like to settle into a way of life and feel like however I talk is ok. Instead of second guessing everything. Maybe even try to get back a sense of community where I live. Problems like this is why the world see's us as devoid of culture. We treat our society like a sick patient in a sterile operating room. I'm sick of people trying to upgrade my language like its an outdated piece of software. English 8.2 v.6 Rev 16.

Answer 7

I get you every thing seems to be linked to man
Even HuMAN WoMAN WoMEN
Probably when all these terms were starting to be used girls were not so involved with everything they are today. Harsh reality but true. Gets on my nerves too but one of those things

Answer 8

Stop being so damn politically correct. I believe everyone and his uncle is getting fed up with this crap! Big damn deal if you're offended. No one cares. And try growing up before you graduate.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/man
Here, read definitions 2 through 4. If you have a problem with our language, then move to Iran. Don't forget your burka.

Answer 9

Its a good question. We are still in a sexist world.

I agree with Dougs answer, too.

Ana

Answer 10

about the same time people start using the word negro instead of black