ABSTRACT
This chapter traces the pattern of negative sexist commentary that persists despite the otherwise positive effect that feminism has had on women’s lives. The chapter provides examples of successful modifications and reforms that have taken place in America English and contrasts these with examples of the sort of prejudicial language that still occurs. The topics are organised to highlight “success” in terms of progress towards non-biased language use juxtaposed with language that shows relatively little relief from the influence of androcentrism. Two areas of language are examined: (1) direct or overt sexism exemplified by specific lexical or morphological forms; and (2) indirect or covert sexism and discursive practice manifested through discursive practices and rooted in male-dominated belief systems. The chapter illustrates that while efforts to reform language at the lexical level have been somewhat effective, language practices that comprise anti-female comments and sexist beliefs, offensive communicative styles, and attitudes of contempt towards women are still a common aspect of public discourse in twenty-first-century America.
