Special Note

"National Review" revealed a February 5 memo in which U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed that sex is simply a social construct and that the sex identity of a individual "may, but not necessarily, correspond to the sex attributed at birth". Blinken proposes to the staff of the State Department to usage "sex-neutral language" as far as possible to "show respect and avoid misunderstandings". The service besides mentioned that an influential American politician pointed out that employees would give their favourite pronouns in e-mails and erstwhile presenting themselves at meetings.

You should not say "Mrs and gentlemen"

The Secretary of State considers that determining the sex on the basis of the person's name or appearance may constitute “a harmful, excluding signal” and “may be problematic”. He called on State Department staff to avoid the following deadlines: ladies and gentlemen, mother/father, son/daughter and husband/wife. They are to usage neutral terms: all of you, parent, child, spouse or partner. In fact, Blinken stated: “Do not usage bold “men and women on the front line” phrases during the conversation. He calls for precision, e.g. « Brave Rescuers», « Brave Soldiers» or « Brave DS agents».

Hypocrisy?

Interestingly, although Blinken is proposing specified extremist changes in language, the American media pointed out that he had not applied them himself. A year ago, in the Veteran Days entry, he wrote: “We are united in worshiping the brave men and women who served our country.”