Widows, Orphans, Runts? Kill ‘em. Kill ‘em all!

Introduction
Typography is an old technology. Certain terms came into use as the form matured. Some of them are still commonly used. Where did they come from, what do they mean, and can we find updated and less offensive language to discuss the technicalities of how typefaces are manipulated to properly land for best design quality in print media? I propose we at least consider, and imagine, some new terms for making beautiful, inclusive design, from the studio out. 

Background/Review of the Sources
The terms common to design studios involved in print media

Pending: details, sources

Rationale
The current and historical terms are still being taught, divested of their real meanings, but at the same time casually glamorizing violence against women, children, and people who live outside the norm whether because of identity, or because of challenges or disabilities. The terms are in my typography book from class in 2022. The othering and dehumanizing of people not the men usually in the studio is intentional, and is to explicitly exclude anyone “non-standard” from the room. The terms really need to be updated. Women are in design now. All kinds of accessibility, including for children, the elderly, or for impairments, is not only being built into design now, but is legally mandated by some countries, especially for web and new media.

Method and Design

  • What is the setting for the terminology?
    • For 500 years typography was both muscular work, and literally toxic, with ‘leading’ describing the lead material.
    • Hierarchical societies lead to design hierarchy
  • Define existing terms over time
    • define, origin, meaning then, meaning now, propose changing
  • Discuss why the typographic issues are problems, show brief examples for lay people
  • Propose other terms that might even be relevant to typography or design. Or not. They could be just as arbitrary without being problematic as used.

References

Pending
List the resources and references you have found so far. Include all references in MLA style

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