this post was submitted on 28 Mar 2024
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English is my second language but I learned that "it" was the pronoun used for inanimate objects and animals whose name/sex you don't know yet.
Both are acceptable. Always keep in mind that the American educational system has been under attack for sixty years.
Having a different pronoun for non-human animals reinforces the belief that we're separate from other animals.
Which we are, so that's fine. It's fine to have your opinion, but to assume it is so universal as to be part of the rules of grammar is a bridge too far.
What? No. It's disrespectful to call any animal, Homo or not, "it". Sexual creatures of unknown gender are "they". Always.
I'm not taking about the rules of grammar.
Actually you were, and everyone replied accordingly.
You seem confused
I was taking about how the language we use reinforces belief structures. It's like saying "illegal aliens" vs. "undocumented workers". Both are valid grammatically, but your choice of terms indicates your biases.
I think if you view non-human animals as conscious beings, you're more likely to call them "they" instead of "it".
Except that you are the one with biases here, you are the one who replied to someone who was clearly talking/asking about grammar rules and you did it with a weird twist around (your?) belief structures .
It's an interesting take but one that maybe you need to explain and not give for granted that everyone knows what is going on in your head. Also you just did then same yourself with non human animals, same as illegal aliens mate.