Tagesschau ohne Damen und Herren: Ist das wirklich nötig?
Hey Leute! Let's talk about something that's been bugging me – the whole "Damen und Herren" thing on the Tagesschau. I mean, seriously? We're in the 21st century, and we're still using this kinda outdated phrase? It feels… well, frankly, a bit clunky. And honestly, a little tone-deaf.
My Personal Tagesschau-Frustration
I remember vividly, a few years back, I was watching the Tagesschau with my niece, who's super into social justice issues. She was like, "Why do they always say 'Damen und Herren'?" I kinda mumbled something about tradition, but inside, I was thinking, "Yeah, good point." It felt like a tiny thing, but it just highlighted this outdated formality. It's like, we're talking about serious world events, and then it's followed by this gendered greeting that just feels…off. You know?
I did some research afterwards, which I should have done before embarrassing myself in front of my niece. Apparently, there's been a lot of discussion about this! Some people argue it's just tradition, a polite formality that doesn't hurt anyone. Others feel it's exclusionary, reinforcing gender binaries that we're trying to move past. There's no easy answer.
The Case for Change (and some alternatives!)
The thing is, language evolves. It should evolve. And "Damen und Herren" feels increasingly out of place. We have so many more inclusive ways to address a large audience. I mean, think about it: "Guten Abend" works perfectly! It's simple, elegant, and avoids any unnecessary gendering.
Or maybe, "Sehr geehrte Zuschauerinnen und Zuschauer"? A little lengthy, perhaps, but completely inclusive, covering all the bases. We could even get creative and use something like "Liebe Zuschauerinnen und Zuschauer," adding a touch of warmth and connection.
Think about the inclusivity here. The goal of a news broadcast is to inform everyone. Using language that specifically excludes or makes certain people feel uncomfortable defeats that purpose. It's about making everyone feel seen, heard, and respected – and that includes your audience's gender identities.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Maybe it seems trivial, but these small linguistic shifts can make a real difference. They show a commitment to inclusivity, and signal a move toward a more modern, egalitarian society. It's not about being overly PC; it's about being respectful and considerate. And it’s really not that hard to switch to "Guten Abend" to be honest.
Plus, think about the impact on younger generations. My niece, for example, felt heard. She appreciated being seen as an individual, not just a "Dame." It's about setting a good example, making media consumption a positive and inclusive experience for everyone. It's a subtle change, yeah, but subtle changes add up, leading to bigger changes that affect more people than you could imagine. You could say it’s a snowball effect.
So, what are your thoughts? Let’s chat in the comments below! I'm keen to hear your perspectives on this topic, especially if you’ve got experience with inclusive language strategies in your own work. Let’s keep this conversation going!