# Prescriptions: is this sexist, or merely pragmatic?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prescriptions-is-this-sexist-or-merely-pragmatic/141027>\
**Category:** Great Debates\
**Created:** [December 6, 2002, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prescriptions-is-this-sexist-or-merely-pragmatic/141027 "2002-12-06T21:44:31Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 3

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**Author:** ![Zoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a4c791/32.png) [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)\
**Post date:** [December 10, 2002, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prescriptions-is-this-sexist-or-merely-pragmatic/141027/41 "2002-12-10T05:29:02Z")

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I have a little test that I use to determine if something is sexist. I substitute a phrase for the words woman or women as in this revision of the original pamphlet:

Human beings with vaginas often take care of medicines for the whole family, as well as themselves. So they need to read the label, avoid problems, ask questions and keep a record of all medications the family takes.

If it sounds really unnecessary to talk about genitalia, then it is sexist.

Maybe something like this pamphlet is minor. But as someone said above, these little things add up and color the views of a society.

> [@](#):
>
> It isn’t so simple anymore and neither are our days filled with work, activities, home, kids, errands, etc., etc. You may find their suggestion sexist, but I view it as a practical reminder.

A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. I hope that you help him out. Has he been able to manage both a career and a family?

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