“Master bedroom” deemed racist, sexist by some

A classic residential term gets the PC treatment

It has come to light that select people are offended with the common term used to describe the largest bedroom (with its own bathroom) in a house. The term “master bedroom” apparently has people thinking along the lines of sexism (favoring males) and racism (the slave master).

The phrase is now increasingly being replaced with the phrases “owner’s suite,” “owner’s bedroom,” or even “mastre bedroom”. Steve Nardella, senior vice president of operations for Winchester Homes Inc. told the Washington Business Journal, “I imagine it’s not only a more accurate description but also a more politically correct term of art.”

“The terminology has more of an upscale tone to it, particularly in some of the really large homes that truly have a large bedroom, sitting area, enormous walk-in closets, and lavish bathrooms. ‘Owner Suite’ conveys a sense of being distinguished, having ‘made it’ or ‘arrived’ rather than the everyday ‘Master Bedroom’” said Brian Block, managing broker for McLean’s RE/Max Allegiance. Hmm. Okay.

Oh wait, they’re being serious?

Is it just me, or does this seem like some lame April Fool’s joke? Come on, guys… it’s a phrase to describe a room. A bedroom. The homeowner’s main bedroom. But, I guess since we’re all throwing fits about verbiage, I may need to retract the “April Fool’s” statement above. You know, because it made someone think of April showers, when they really wanted to think about May flowers. While we’re at it, why don’t we rename our canine pets, because the word “dog” has been used in a derogatory manner?

Honestly, just like everything else, I say if someone doesn’t like the phrasing – then they shouldn’t use it. I can see it now… a nice young couple was looking at a home, and the Realtor said something along the lines of, “You have got to see the master’s suite!”

They probably just stood there flabbergasted at the Realtor’s blatantly racist term. Or the wife politely retreated to her place in the kitchen, while the man (the master) went and checked out his private room. My point exactly.

This is ridiculousness at its finest

I understand the desire to be politically correct… but this just seems rather petty to me. Then again, maybe that’s why my home (which has been on the market for two months) hasn’t sold yet – I’m probably offending potential buyers with terms such as “living room,” “closet,” and “kitchen.”

My personal consensus is whether the change from “master bedroom” to “owner’s suite” is overdue, smart marketing, just a ridiculous stunt? Most likely it isn’t going to drastically affect a buyer’s decision.