Hi, Tebby:
Ann forwarded this to me. I think you'll like it--and agree with part of it!
Love,
Sandy

>FW: FW: Are computers masculine or feminine?

> > > >An English teacher was explaining to his students the concept of
>gender
> > > >association in the English language. He noted how hurricanes at one
> > time
> > > >were given only female names, and how ships and planes were usually
> > > >referred to as "she." One of the students raised her hand and asked,
> > > "What
> > > >gender is a computer?"
> > > >
> > > >The teacher wasn't certain. So he divided the class into two groups:
> > > males
> > > >in one, females in the other, and asked them to decide if a computer
> > > should
> > > >be masculine or feminine. Both groups were asked to give four reasons
> > for
> > > >their recommendations.
> > > >
> > > >The group of women concluded that computers should be referred to as
> > > >masculine because:
> > > >1. In order to get their attention, you have to turn them on.
> > > >2. They have a lot of data but are still clueless.
> > > >3. They are supposed to help you solve your problems, but half the
> > time,
> > > >they ARE the problem.
> > > >4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that, if you had waited
>a
> > > >little longer, you could have had a better model.
> > > >
> > > >The men, on the other hand, decided that computers should definitely
>be
> > > >referred to as feminine because:
> > > >1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic.
> > > >2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers
>is
> > > >incomprehensible to everyone else.
> > > >3. Even your smallest mistakes are stored in long-term memory for
>later
> > > >retrieval.
> > > >4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself
>spending
> > > half
> > > >your paycheck on accessories for it.