RE: TIL: Ancient Greeks couldn't see blue!

I'll ask your indulgence as I get serious here (a little bit, anyway). The implications of this are amazing. According to this gentleman's explanation, what we call something changes the way we understand that thing. That old question, "What's in a name?" finally has an answer: "There is a lot in a name." So if names, if labels matter, if they influence perception and understanding, then cultural attempts to change language have real significance.

For example, way back in the seventies, women began to insist that they not be called Miss, or Mrs. The change was seen by many as being annoying symbolism. Why bother? many asked. Why upset custom, tradition? Well, obviously, (according to the gentleman in the film) because the way we address women (anyone) affects the way we see women (anyone). It affects the way we understand their status, their place in society.

The same argument could be extended to other terms, such as gender identification. Is this one of the reasons for seeking the change in terminology and one of the reasons for resisting it? Will a change in terminology eventually affect our understanding of gender?

Ok, I'm done. A fascinating video. Time for lunch :))

Thanks for sharing.