sexist quotations

it is standard practice not to rewrite quotations, even ones with sexist language. However, for reasons of space or meaning, we often paraphrase or use only parts of quotations—even those without sexist language. Especially when using quotations in educational settings, it may be important to call attention to the sexism so that it is not absorbed unthinkingly; Ann Daly Goodwin used to write quotations on the chalkboard, but place—without comment—an "X" under any sexist terms. It did not take her students long to figure it out. When you need to work around sexist language (for example, Wendell Phillips, "The best use of laws is to teach men to trample bad laws under their feet"), there are several possibilities. (1) Omit the quotation marks and paraphrase the remark (still attributing it to the author): Wendell Phillips suggested that the best use of laws is to teach people to trample bad ones underfoot. (2) Replace the sexist words or phrases with ellipses and/or bracketed substitutes: "The best use for laws is to teach [people] to trample bad laws under their feet" (Wendell Phillips). (3) Use "[sic]" to show that the sexist words come from the original quotation and to call attention to the fact that they are not inclusive: "The best use of laws it to teach men [sic] to trample bad ones under their feet" (Wendell Phillips). (4) Quote only part of it: Wendell Phillips said the best use for laws was to teach people "to trample bad laws under their feet." (5) Replace the quotation with one that isn't sexist.