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Several IP editors (User:119.225.104.2, User:1.144.108.6, User:1.129.107.220, possibly more) have been trying for at least since August 2020 [1] to change the term "actress" to "actor", claiming at times that it is vandalism to refer to Kennedy as an actress. Their intent is best described in this edit summary. I don't disagree. However, whatever my personal opinions may be, there is no policy or guideline that supports this change. The closest that we have is here. Within that section of the manual of style there is a link to Wikipedia:Gender-neutral language, which is an essay, which further links to Wikipedia:Writing about women, also an essay. In the latter, it says we should use "actor" rather than "actress". However, as noted, this isn't policy or guideline. I looked at the first ten female featured articles listed at Category:FA-Class biography (actors and filmmakers) articles; Amy Adams, Priyanka Chopra, Jessica Chastain, Nancy Cartwright, Mariah Carey, Katharine Hepburn, Anne Hathaway, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kirsten Dunst, and Janet Jackson. All ten of these featured articles refer to the subjects as "actress". Given this appears to be common practice, I find it inappropriate to change this article to say "actor" instead of "actress". I welcome other inputs. But, lacking consensus to change this to "actor", the term should remain "actress" given the common practice shown. Thanks, --Hammersoft (talk) 19:08, 22 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]
I reverted the latest IP edit because the matter really should be worked out on this talk page. I don't feel too strongly about one or the other, but it's a good point about the high-profile articles all using "actress". I did a quick search within the MoS talk pages and it's been brought up over and over again throughout the years without any semblance of consensus (e.g. here and here). By the way, Kennedy describes herself as an "actress" in her Twitter bio. DanCherek (talk) 05:48, 23 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]
I find the essay persuasive, and I agree with the substance of the IP editor(s)' comments, although not their tone. I don't find the fact that lots of FA-class articles use old-fashioned language terribly persuasive, given that the discussions linked by Dan don't show a consensus either way. In general I think we let the MOS override the style choices of reliable sources (though obviously not the substance), but in this case it offers limited help because there is not a general consensus on whether to use "actor" or "actress". On the other hand I do find the fact that Kennedy describes herself as an actress persuasive. So whilst I would be in favor of making the change to "actor", that's a weak support.I think it would be good to hear from the IP editor(s), but it's not obvious that they will understand that they need to contribute here rather than edit-warring their desired change in. Perhaps somebody who doesn't agree with them might like to canvas them on their talk pages? Wham2001 (talk) 10:48, 23 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]
Without a standing consensus at a project level on this point, I think it prudent we abide by Kennedy's own form of address. --Hammersoft (talk) 13:32, 23 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]
Hopefully they will come and discuss it here but I agree that you have acted prudently, Hammersoft. Without consensus based on reliable sources we can not take action or make any changes to how the article addresses the subject. --ARoseWolf 21:20, 3 December 2021 (UTC)[reply]
