At an noaa conference in 1972 roxcy bolton proposed naming hurricanes after senators instead of women she also preferred him i canes

At an NOAA Conference in 1972, Roxcy Bolton Proposed Naming Hurricanes after Senators Instead of Women. She also Preferred Him-i-canes.

Photograph: Roxcy Bolton in 2010 (source)

When it comes to naming hurricanes, tradition has typically dictated using female names. However, at an NOAA conference in 1972, a prominent women’s rights activist named Roxcy Bolton presented an intriguing proposal: instead of naming hurricanes after women, why not name them after Senators?

Bolton, who became the first woman to serve on the board of the National Hurricane Conference, had grown frustrated with the male-dominated and seemingly gender-biased naming convention for hurricanes. She believed that by naming hurricanes after Senators, it would bring attention to the role of politicians in disaster preparedness and recovery, and potentially encourage them to be more proactive in their response efforts.

In addition to proposing the use of Senators’ names, Bolton also coined the term “him-i-canes” to replace the traditional “hurricanes.” Her reasoning was that using male-centric language would challenge long-held stereotypes and prompt people to rethink their perceptions about the destructive power of these natural disasters.

Photograph: Women Senators (source)

Bolton’s bold and creative suggestion sparked a significant debate within the NOAA community. While some supported her idea as a way to challenge gender norms and raise awareness about the political impact on disaster response, others argued that the current naming system had a long-standing tradition that shouldn’t be easily discarded.

Ultimately, Bolton’s proposal did not gain widespread acceptance, and the tradition of using female names for hurricanes continued. However, her advocacy brought attention to the importance of gender-neutral language and inclusivity in disaster management. It highlighted the need for diverse perspectives in decision-making processes and influenced future discussions about hurricane naming conventions.

Today, the naming of hurricanes follows a predetermined list that alternates between male and female names. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is responsible for selecting the names, which are also shared with meteorological agencies in different countries. This standardized system helps avoid confusion and ensures effective communication during severe weather events.

Though Bolton’s idea did not come to fruition, her efforts to challenge the status quo and promote gender equality remain noteworthy. By daring to question established norms, she contributed to the ongoing conversations surrounding inclusivity in all aspects of society, including hurricane naming practices.

Source: Mental Floss - 119 Amazing Facts for National Trivia Day