Feminist groups in France are seeking to remove the title mademoiselle on all official forms and replace it with the title madam. They argue that men are not asked to check off damoiseau (young, unmarried man) however women are asked to check off mademoiselle (young, unmarried women), making them to publically identify their marital status. They seek to remove the double standard between men and women in regards to formal titles.
I never thought about until discovering this article online but how much does the title of Ms., Miss., Mrs. or Mr. (North America’s equivalent of madam, mademoiselle, damoiseau or monsieur) say about an individual before you even know them. Those titles introduce not only our relationship status automatically, but also imply our gender. I can’t speak for everyone, but the fact that one several aspects of my life can be summed up by checking one box (i.e. Miss) on a form.
I wouldn’t blame French women for wanting to remove the title mademoiselle. Personally I think North American women should take a few pointers from our French sisters and think carefully about our titles and possibly even begin to petition them.
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