URNotAlone

Grammar, Gender: more than meets the eye

May 12th, 2008 11:22 am MST

Sephie made this wonderful comment, today about my previous journal entry:
On your last comment: I agree. The alternative-vowel spellings,
although intended to convey that we're perhaps a bit different from the
"genetic" variety, have come to seem affected to me. Nevertheless I love it when I can answer to that title, no matter how it's spelled.Luv and Hugz (Did I just make myself a hypocryte? ),

I love it so much that i posted it here so I could make what I hope is a worthwhile comment and maybe some of you will enjoy reading or pondering it. or not :)
I think the transphonic "Hugz", while grammatically similar to "Gurls" in technical alteration, conveys an entirely different emotional impact to the recipient. The former is a cute dimunitive. It feels warm on the intellect, safe and sunny. So many positive implications vibe off it. It feels like a smile or the warm sun on a quiet spring day.
The latter, "gurl", is much more technical and less emotional. Saying "gurl", to me SEPARATES feminine personalities based on physical gender. The term , to me, is a bit negative and aggressive. It invites, almost begs, a confontation of values, ethics, etc.
I like to foster unity, when I can. I want to bring everyone together not divide people. And maybe that's a bit heavy but I think there's a measure of truth in it.
So, I say, "No Sephie. You are definitely NOT a hypocrite. " I would love to hear what other people think.
Love Sue :)