This is your first-time writer NorNor here at the Whyville Times here to talk about acting. Yes, I know, it's a very tiring subject. After all, you see it in the news, probably every day. Maybe "Actress trips during MTV Awards!", or perhaps, "Scandalous Problems in Today's Celebrities!"
But the question: Are these generalizations used all the time wrong? I heard years ago in sixth grade from my drama teacher that the term "actress" is an incorrect term used often among many people. Indeed, the correct title in this case (according to her) would be "actor," the non-gender specific term that has somewhat re-emerged in modern English.
But the word alone wasn't enough. First, I decided to find a source. For this particular proof, I decided to use the well-known Wikipedia as my bibliography. And I quote:
"The word 'actor' refers to one who acts, whilst 'actress' refers specifically to a female who acts. As 'actress' is a specifically feminine word, some feminist groups assert that the word 'actress' is sexist. This is a minority view, almost unheard of outside of the United States. 'Actress' remains a commonly used word; however, while 'actor' was traditionally used in the context of the performing arts to refer to male performers only, it is now frequently used to refer to both men and women.The OED also points out that originally 'actor' was used for both sexes."
I knew that online information alone wasn't enough, so next I decided to see how Whyvillians felt about using such generalizations. My first stop: the Grotto. Spying Sweetiey1, I proceeded to start the interview.
NorNor: How do you feel about using the generalization of "actor" as opposed to saying "actress" in a (I feel) derogatory way towards women?
Sweetiey1: Umm, I think that using actress makes it so they varify the gender of the performer.
Next, I found MoMeNeMo at the Sun Roof.
NorNor: So how do you feel about "actress" being used as a derogatory term towards women as opposed to actor?
MoMeNeMo: I don't find it derogatory. Most women are just working for their job.
Soon, ramensoup joined in the debate.
ramensoup: Mind if I join?
NorNor: Please do! Right. Do you find it derogatory to call women actors "actresses"?
ramensoup: Well, actually, I don't find it too derogatory. The uniqueness of women today and how talented they are is pretty amazing.
NorNor: Thanks!
ramensoup: Np :}
Also, my brother D4rthvadr wanted to comment on the situation.
NorNor: Again, how do you feel about using the generalization of "actor" as opposed to saying
"actress" in a (I feel) derogatory way towards women?
D4rthvadr: I think that the whole debate is absurd! The Oxford English American dictionary, one of the most trusted resources in definitions, defines the word "actress" simply as a female actor. What's next? Are you going to protest the word "seamstress"? Or how about "empress"? Does an empress exercise any less power than an emperor?
NorNor: Thanks.
D4rthvadr: Any time . . .
So, folks, there it is. The honest opinion of the public. The overall views, it seems, have proved me wrong. I guess it just goes to show that most people have their own opinions, without being influenced by my own beliefs! Now I know that I can learn from these people's ideas, also.
--NorNor
