To Be or Not
Identity and stereotypes
The verb “to be” appears more often than any other in the English language.
I am old; you are a doctor; they are non-binary.
“To be” implies identity: If you are a doctor then I can call you “a doctor”. Because a doctor is what you are.
But “doctor” condenses you to a stereotype. You are more than that. Perhaps you are an old, non-binary doctor. Perhaps you vote Green, practice the five pillars of Islam, and go roller-skating at weekends.
Sometimes I drive a car. “Motorists”, we are told, are inconsiderate, break speed limits, and hate cyclists.
Sometimes I ride a bike. “Cyclists”, we are told, are inconsiderate, ignore red lights, and hate motorists.
“To be” deals in stereotypes. Stereotypes cause harm.
Use the verb carefully. Consider alternatives.
Instead of “you are an awful person” say “you seem awful, to me”.
I was born 54 years ago; you work as a doctor; they identify as non-binary.
This style of English, avoiding the verb “to be” has been labelled “English Prime” or “E-prime”. If you can manage to use it consistently then you are a cleverer person than me.
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Dan 🗿 Peakrill Press 🍄 Mycoleum