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Avoid Language Bias Suggestions for avoiding language that reinforces stereotypes or excludes certain groups of people. Sexism, Race Ethnicity, and National Origin, Age, Sexual Orientation Depersonalization of Persons with Disabilities or Illnesses Patronizing or Demeaning Expressions Language That Excludes or Unnecessarily Emphasizes Differences Sexism Sexism is the most difficult bias to avoid, in part because of the convention of using man or men and he or his to refer to people of either sex. Other, more disrespectful conventions include giving descriptions of women in terms of age and appearance while describing men in terms of accomplishment. Avoid This :1. mankind, man 2. man-made 3. man in the street Use This Instead 1. human beings, humans, humankind, humanity, people, society, men and women 2. synthetic, artificial 3. average person, ordinary person Using gender-neutral terms for occupations, positions, roles, etc. Terms that specify a particular sex can unnecessarily perpetuate certain stereotypes when used generically. | 
