I am responsible for teaching some children English at the moment and boy is teaching English hard. Especially given how it has changed over the years. I would say it has been a good thing though. Trying to explain pronouns to 1st graders and the different persons was interesting. actually helped me understand it more also. Was pleased would recommend others do the same if given the chance. Given how old I actually am and given that the culture and world has shifted since when "I was a kid", teaching a child that there are 4 different 3rd person pronoun categories helped me understand it in my mind. Went from a more passive "Sure. let them live, leave me alone" thought to more empathy on the discussion.
Just wanted to share that. Lesson was 3rd person pronouns, and I am sure that I am simplifying it to much, but saying there are 4 categories (Male, Female, Object and non-binary) was actually eye-opening. The fact that pronouns have to match the gender of the noun is something i had forgotten with age. And then explaining it to kids, having to explain non-binary concepts. i was worried. but no. they took it like champs. Discussion with one kid for example was "Your daddy is a boy. your mommy is a girl. Gender is like a gage with those being the two extremes. what happens when someone falls in the middle? What happens when someone does not fit into this gage? and then what pronouns do we use for this person?" And he took it like a champ. Helped me understand the entire "Know my pronouns" movement. At first i just shrugged it off, but teaching it a little reminded me of parts of English I had forgotten and why that discussion was important.
I still think people go overboard on all sides with this discussion (how am i supposed to teach that there are an infinite potential possible amount of pronouns. hell, i could not even find distinctions between xe and ze.) but it did lead into an assumption (which I did clarify but need to reiterate.) that if you are unsure of a persons pronouns, just ask them.
Wish most adults could be as open to learning as kids. but I learned more. just wanted to mention that since I wanted to mention it to someone.
But, with that. I do think I am to old for this board now. been lurking for what, 10 years? more or less. After tomorrow. I might just abandon my account.