Lifestyle News: Exploring They/Them and Everything in Between

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Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal’s Controversial Stance on Gender Pronouns Sparks Debate

Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal recently found himself in the midst of a heated debate surrounding gender pronouns after he criticized non-binary pronouns and referred to them as an “illness”. The controversy began when LinkedIn removed Aggarwal’s post where he expressed his views on the usage of ‘they/them’ pronouns for individuals who do not identify exclusively as male or female.

In a screenshot shared by Aggarwal, he highlighted his chat with LinkedIn’s AI bot, which used ‘they/their’ pronouns. He took to social media to express his concerns, stating, “Hoping that this ‘pronoun illness’ doesn’t reach India.” Aggarwal also raised issues about the adoption of Western practices in India, particularly in educational institutions and professional settings.

While some social media users accused Aggarwal of homophobia and insensitivity, others supported his views, arguing that inclusivity and diversity should not be blindly imported from the West. Non-binary queer rights activist Rohin Bhatt criticized Aggarwal’s remarks as homophobic and transphobic, emphasizing the importance of respecting individuals’ gender identities and pronouns.

The debate surrounding gender pronouns reflects broader discussions on progressive initiatives, challenges of technology, rules of grammar, and cultural differences. Aggarwal’s comments have reignited conversations about the acceptance and recognition of diverse gender identities in Indian society.

In recent years, the Indian judiciary has taken steps to promote sensitivity towards the gender spectrum through various initiatives. The Supreme Court approved gender-neutral restrooms and online appearance slips, introduced a handbook to combat gender stereotypes, and issued guidelines on habeas corpus and protection petitions involving LGBTQ+ individuals.

The use of singular pronouns, such as ‘they/them’, has become more prevalent among individuals who identify as non-binary or gender-queer. Researchers have noted a shift in language processing and concepts of gender, with ‘they/them’ pronouns challenging traditional binary norms.

Artificial intelligence algorithms have also faced challenges in predicting and suggesting gender pronouns accurately. Google, for instance, blocked Gmail’s Smart Compose feature from suggesting gender-based pronouns to avoid misgendering individuals.

Gender pronouns have been a source of controversy in various contexts, including job applications and media interactions. The debate over pronoun usage highlights the complexities of language, identity, and cultural norms in a rapidly changing society.

As discussions on gender pronouns continue to evolve, it is essential to foster understanding, respect, and inclusivity for individuals of all gender identities. The controversy surrounding Bhavish Aggarwal’s remarks serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards acceptance and equality for diverse communities in India and beyond.