I have a request. No, I have a demand: Stop using the phrase “you guys” . . .  

“What do YOU GUYS think?” 

“What do YOU GUYS want to do?” 

“Hey, YOU GUYS, please direct your attention over here!” 

“Can I ask YOU GUYS to go to the next topic?”  

What’s worse? This phrase is often said to a group including persons who identify as women. And, what is even worse? We are so habituated to using this phrase that women use it when speaking to a group of only persons who identify as women.  

This makes no sense. So why do we say it, and why are we numb when we hear it? The answers are likely more complex and multi-faceted than can be adequately addressed in this post; however, one simple answer: Because it’s what we have always known. Because years ago, when it was only men at the business tables, they became accustomed to only addressing each other.  

Gratefully, this is not our current reality. If we want to progress towards equality, we must become more aware of the groups and classes of people we want to equalize – and the power of language in those efforts.  

Or better yet, maybe we should try to overcome the last zillion years of saying YOU GUYS by saying the opposite. Oh yes! Picture this: You’re in a group full of persons that identify as a mixed group of genders. And you say: “What do YOU GALS think?” Or let’s get crazy -- you’re a male presenting to a group of only males and you say to the group, “What do YOU WOMEN think?” This may strike you as weird. But why? Is it any less weird than saying YOU GUYS to a group regardless of their gender/gender identities?  

We can progress, but we need to continue opening our awareness (subliminally and explicitly) and taking affirmative steps in the right direction to gain equality.  

So, what do YOU WOMEN think about this post? 

Eric Ganci is a trial lawyer at Casey Gerry who, when not working his suit and bow tie job, melts faces drumming with his live-band karaoke group Rock Out Karaoke.