Is language truly a reflection of our evolving consciousness? The recent exchange between former astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison and CBS News anchor Vladimir Duthiers serves as a poignant reminder of the power of words and their capacity to shape our understanding of the world and our place within it.

On a recent Monday morning, during a CBS News interview focusing on the Blue Origin space tourism launch, a subtle yet significant moment unfolded. Dr. Mae Jemison, a name synonymous with groundbreaking achievement and the spirit of exploration, found herself correcting the language used by the interviewer. The term at the heart of the matter? "Mankind."

The incident, though seemingly minor, highlights a larger conversation about inclusivity and the importance of representing all of humanity in our narratives, especially when discussing endeavors that aim to benefit everyone. Dr. Jemison, the first Black woman to venture into space, embodies a commitment to pushing boundaries, not just in the physical realm of space exploration, but also in the metaphorical space of language and representation.

Full Name	Mae Carol Jemison
Born	October 17, 1956 (age 67)
Birthplace	Decatur, Alabama, USA
Nationality	American
Education	Stanford University (B.S., Chemical Engineering, B.A., African and Afro-American Studies), Cornell University (M.D.)
Known For	First African American woman in space; physician; engineer; astronaut
Career Highlights	NASA Astronaut (1987-1993); Space Shuttle Endeavour mission STS-47 (1992); Founder of Jemison Group; Author; Educator
Awards and Honors	Numerous honorary degrees; Inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame; NASA Space Flight Medal
Website for Reference	NASA - Mae C. Jemison

The setting was CBS News, the context, a discussion of the benefits of space travel, specifically focusing on Blue Origin's eleventh space tourism launch. Vladimir Duthiers, the CBS host, posed a question framing the potential advantages for "mankind." It was at this juncture that Dr. Jemison interjected with a gentle, yet firm correction. So it benefits humankind, she stated, before adding with a clear intention, "and Im going to keep correcting.

Her response, far from being a trivial nitpick, was a deliberate assertion of inclusivity. The shift from "mankind" to "humankind" is more than semantic; it's a conscious effort to acknowledge and represent the entire human race, encompassing people of all genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds. It is a reminder that the benefits of space exploration, and indeed, all human endeavors, should be framed in a way that speaks to the collective good.

The moment of correction was quick, yet impactful. Duthiers issued a prompt mea culpa, acknowledging the inadvertent oversight. This exchange speaks volumes about the current state of language and how the public conversation has changed. The increasing awareness of inclusive language, a reflection of the growing recognition of diversity and equity in all aspects of society, has prompted a shift in what is considered appropriate and acceptable.

Jemison's role in the incident underscores her lifelong commitment to pushing boundaries. As the first African American woman to reach space, she has always been a proponent of breaking barriers and ensuring that opportunities and achievements are available to all. In her book, "Find Where the Wind Goes," Jemison wrote about how she had to fight for her place in the field, a sentiment that reinforces the importance of inclusion in any conversation about the advancement of the human race.

Her correction during the interview wasn't about shaming or criticizing. Instead, it was an educational moment, a subtle reminder of the importance of mindful communication. Language, after all, shapes our perception of reality. By using the term "humankind," Jemison emphasized the inherent universality of the space program and the shared human experience of exploration.

Dr. Jemisons correction underscores a deeper issue. It shows how even in endeavors that are pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and capability, language must be inclusive. This is particularly relevant when it comes to space exploration, a realm that has historically been male-dominated. The inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives is critical, not only for ensuring that the benefits of space travel reach everyone, but also for expanding the very definition of who can be involved in such an undertaking.

The incident also highlighted how the media can play a significant role in promoting inclusive language. By quickly acknowledging and correcting the phrasing, Duthiers demonstrated the network's commitment to presenting a more inclusive narrative. This response serves as an example for other media outlets and individuals as well.

In 1992, Mae Jemison flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, as part of mission STS-47, making her the first African American woman in space. Her journey was a defining moment, not only for her but also for the entire space program. She has consistently advocated for greater diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Her efforts have helped to pave the way for a new generation of explorers.

Dr. Jemison's post-NASA career has been equally remarkable. She founded the Jemison Group, a consulting firm that focuses on the development and implementation of advanced technologies. She also is an advocate for space and STEM education. She's a role model, not just for aspiring astronauts, but also for anyone striving to make the world a better place.

In this context, the seemingly small correction takes on a much larger significance. It is a lesson in how we should communicate about the universe. By choosing the word "humankind" Jemison reminds us that the goals of space exploration are to benefit everyone, and that they should be pursued with diversity at the forefront. It's a message that resonates far beyond the confines of a television studio. It is about recognizing that human progress is a collective endeavor.

The incident has also provided an occasion to acknowledge the broader context of the Blue Origin launch. The launch, as mentioned by the interview, was carrying several celebrities as a part of its eleventh space tourism mission, with the purpose of allowing passengers to experience the phenomenon of space travel. This event, a symbol of the advancements in the commercial space industry, further highlights the need for inclusive language to ensure that such progress is accessible, understood, and appreciated by all.

The choice of language, specifically "humankind," emphasizes the inclusive spirit of space exploration. Space exploration is an undertaking with the potential to shape the future of humanity. From a scientific perspective, space travel expands our understanding of the universe, the origins of life, and the very laws of physics. Also, space travel can inspire new generations of scientists and engineers to address the challenges facing our planet. This further justifies the necessity of promoting inclusive language to encompass everyone in the benefits.

The focus on "humankind" also reflects the broader objectives that drive space exploration. Space exploration is not only about pushing the boundaries of scientific and technological achievement, but also about inspiring unity and collaboration. The efforts and sacrifices of various nations, corporations, and individuals are vital. Inclusive language highlights the collective nature of exploration and the common interest in pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.

The moment also provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress the world has made in terms of inclusivity. From the early days of space exploration when it was largely confined to white men to the present era, with its growing diversity of participants, including women and people of color, and the growing importance of including different cultures in space exploration. The adoption of the term "humankind" is a small but important step towards making space travel a truly inclusive endeavor.

In conclusion, Dr. Mae Jemison's simple correction of a word holds a message of profound value. It is an insistence on inclusivity, a call to embrace the collective, and a reminder that language is not merely a tool for communication. It is also a reflection of our values and aspirations. As humanity ventures further into the cosmos, it is essential that we bring everyone along, not only in the journey, but also in the words we use to describe it.