Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Monday, January 04, 2016

How a 'sexist' quote from 16th-century pope became Maryland's state motto

The Italian words "Fatti maschii, parole femine" are displayed on a yellow ribbon on Maryland's state seal. The state has long considered the phrase its motto and has translated it as, "Manly deeds, womanly words."

That translation doesn't sit well with state Sen. Bryan W. Simonaire, R-Anne Arundel. He has filed a bill for the upcoming legislative session that would adopt a more gender-neutral translation, "Strong deeds, gentle words," and codify the motto into law.

The current translation "just struck me as sexist," Simonaire said. "I have five daughters, and I'm very concerned that Maryland is holding onto outdated references. . . . I don't believe Maryland is a sexist state."

A spokesman at the Italian Embassy in Washington said the phrase is derived from a comment made by Pope Clement VII in the 16th century, when he was returning to Italy after a trip to France.

More

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Is the Congressperson admitting he doesn't understand the quote? Or, is he claiming that the Latin Phrase was translated incorrectly?

Anonymous said...

four friggin' days into a new year and somebody is already offended.

Steve said...

Doesn't this dipwad realize that men and women think differently? He can't be married unless it's to a Debbie Wasserman Schitz clone!

WOW.

Just wow.

Anonymous said...

He's got alot to do, doesn't he. He needs to get a life.

lmclain said...

If THAT is his "contribution" to the law, fire him.
How much is he getting paid by the taxpayers to come up with such far reaching and sophisticated legislation?
Keep cheering.

Anonymous said...

Leave this alone and work on something that REALLY will make a difference. Less taxes and regs. That's a good start.

this is petty, petty, petty...