In this article the reader is presented with a Memo that was sent out in AP on referring to same sex couples or unions. The first memo that was sent stated only that the terms “husband” and “wife” where only to be used in stories with attribution. The memo continued on saying that in general AP used the terms couples or partners when talking about those in civil unions or same-sex marriages. A further memo was sent out to clarify what was meant by the first memo. AP explained that, in general, they used coupes or partners, but if the couple was used to referring to one another as husband and wife, then they where allowed to report as such.
While I believe that this was simply a typo or a memo not fully thought out, I think it does bring up a very good point. When a reporter goes into the home of, or meets a couple that is of one male and one female, they do not hesitate or even ask to report them as husband and wife. It is simply assumed. That is not true for couples who are of the same sex. They are referred to as a civil union or as a same-sex couple, the same way AP refers to them.
I personally do not condone this manner at all. We have labeled the use of the word “Husband” to mean the male in the relationship and the word “Wife” to mean the female in the relationship. I would not to demean a male in a same-sex relationship by calling him a wife, nor would I want to demean a female in a same-sex relationship by calling her a husband. It is true that some same-sex couples are fine with these labels and call each other husband and wife, but I find it a little sad that we can as a human race can come up with technology that can change our lives forever and yet we can not find a proper term for a same-sex couple. I honestly feel like right now at this point using terms like same-sex marriage and civil union are a bit awkward as they do not have the same intimate mind set as does husband and wife. I feel that those same-sex couples who do not identify as husband and wife, deserve a term that comes with the same endearment, they should not have to be labeled with terms that are any less than what they feel.
http://www.mediaite.com/online/spousetrap-the-associated-press-maintains-marriage-inequality-style-ruling/
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