THE ADVOCATE 127
VOL. 80 PART 1 JANUARY 2022
Dear Editor,
Re: Pronouns
This is not a grumble.
There is considerable confusion
and angst regarding the correct
form of pronoun to be used in
addressing fellow counsel (if it is
still acceptable to say “fellow”
counsel).
The worthy object of the most
recent exercise is to ensure equality.
Yet there are two examples in
which pronouns were adopted that
ensured perfect and absolute equality
to people of any sex, sexual orientation
or sexual preference.
France once adopted the use of
the term “citizen” for everyone.
The former Soviet Union adopted
the use of the term “comrade” for
everyone. I, personally, would
have no problem in being addressed
as “Citizen Friedland” or
“Comrade Friedland”. This practice
would treat every individual—all—
equally, and take the divisive
issues of actual, adopted or perceived
gender and/or sexual orientation
off the table.
Citizen Bob Friedland
Richmond
Citizen Friedland’s e-mail came to us
in red font. We note this in case this
was intended to be a nod to the “Comrade
Friedland” alternative. Unfortunately,
given that letters to the editor
appear in the black-and-white section
of our magazine, we cannot reproduce
the original faithfully! – Asst.
Ed.
LETTER TO
THE EDITOR
By R.C. Tino Bella*
* Letters to the editor may be e-mailed to <mbain@the-advocate.ca>. Letters published do not necessarily reflect the views
of the Advocate or its staff. We encourage a diversity of voices and views in our pages.
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