The other day I wrote about my support for purging the word “man” out of the English language when it had to do with anything good.

In case I was too subtle, that column was what I call “sartire” — my special blend of sarcasm and satire that comes out of my computer whenever I press a button marked “nasty.”

People commented about that July 23 column. This is the comment I liked the best:

Hi John:

Fifty years ago, Neil Armstrong said a few words when he stepped onto the moon that must surely cause a great deal of hurt today given its gender exclusivity. The numerous TV specials airing this month on the Apollo program make no effort to mute Armstrong’s gender insensitive comment.

Indeed, all month we have also been exposed to other triggering phrases such as “First Man on the Moon,” First Man in Space,” “Manned Space Missions,” etc. This must cease!

What Armstrong should have said was: “That’s one small step for me, one giant leap for everyone else.” But he was not woke and crudely chose to exercise his white male privilege.

Cheers,

Dennis Middlebrooks

Dennis, I can’t imagine the pain the reporting of the 50th anniversary must have caused so many people. Thanks for bringing it up.

When I go to the moon, I’ll keep it simple so nobody can possibly be offended: “Made it; now get me outta here,” will be my historic uttering.