I was certain that there must be more to the story regarding the reason the Easthampton School Committee withdrew its offer to Dr. Vito Perrone, to become superintendent of schools: And there might be. But according to the letter “Cringes at use of the word ‘ladies’” [Gazette, April 5], use of the word “ladies” undermines the gains women have made over the past decades. If that is true, what should we call the spouse of the president? Or, what should we call the spouse of the vice president? Currently we use First Lady, and Second Gentleman. In the not too distant future, I hope that changes. For example, First Gentleman, has a nice ring to it.

A democracy requires that its citizens have tough skins. For example, as a Sicilian-American, I cringe when the word “Mafia” is used inappropriately, and when the term “I got an offer you can’t refuse” is used. But, I don’t think those terms constitute microaggressions. And, I believe that “super-sensitivity” is a catalyst for banning books, and hiding great works of art for fear they may offend a particular group, or be regarded by some as being pornographic.

Jim Palermo

Southampton

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