Research Paper Resources

Are Relative Pronouns Simply "Relative"?

Here’s a telling example from a research paper. “Although antisemitism was the start of the Holocaust, Jewish people were not the only ones being attacked by Hitler. People with disabilities, gypsies, gay peoples and others that did not fit into the idea of the ‘perfect race’ were grouped in.” Was the writer subconsciously realizing what was actually at play?

The term “that” refers to a thing, an object, whereas the term “who” refers to a person, a sentient being. When we reduce people to being simply objects, we can mentally (whether consciously or subconsciously) justify treating them as less than persons entitled to rights; they’re objectified. We can discriminate against them or worse yet, abuse them. As a “thing,” it doesn’t matter. A stark example is racial prejudice: considering “blacks,” African Americans, as less than human, referring to those persons as “monkeys” to justify violence, even leading to death. That is why such actions are deemed “inhumane.” The same issue applies to xenophobic stereotypes whether ethnic, social, sexual, or gender related.

It is true that in informal and conversational speech many times people say “that” in place of who. “That” has become habitual. But so too has sexist language. Culture has shifted to more inclusive language (something which many ancient languages had actually utilized). Words have meanings. From a theological and ethical point of view, employing the relative pronoun “who” when referring to human beings is very important. Words have connotations, implicit meanings. “Who” implies that the being is endowed with dignity and sentience. The relative pronoun “that” connotes that particular being lacks essential elements to be valued and respected as a person. Nevertheless, creation should be valued and respected as well, not exploited and polluted etc. Philosophically and theologically humans are categorized as animals but distinguished from other animals as rational animals. Thus, use reason and critical thinking when writing your research paper. You will lose five points for every instance where you use the relative pronoun “that,” when you should have used “who” or “whom” the direct object.

Be like a wise owl and say “who.”

Created by Dr. Daniel F. Stramara, Jr.           21 August 2024