QUOTE
Those ones identical with them:
Used reflexively as the direct or indirect object of a verb or as the object of a preposition: prepared themselves for the trip; gave themselves plenty of time; were left to themselves.
Used for emphasis: The cooks themselves eat after all the guests have finished.
Used in an absolute construction: Newcomers themselves, they knew few people at the party.
Their normal or healthy condition: The members of the crew were themselves again after the crisis passed.
Used reflexively as the direct or indirect object of a verb or as the object of a preposition: prepared themselves for the trip; gave themselves plenty of time; were left to themselves.
Used for emphasis: The cooks themselves eat after all the guests have finished.
Used in an absolute construction: Newcomers themselves, they knew few people at the party.
Their normal or healthy condition: The members of the crew were themselves again after the crisis passed.
If you're talking about someone and you don't know their gender, don't refer them to him or herself. That's only if you know whom you're talking about. Instead, use themselves. That also goes if you're talking about a group of people.
The usage of him or her is one of the most common misconception in this society. In school, the teachers don't even bother to fine-tune, mainly because they don't know themselves or won't even bother taking the time to try. Sadly, this is also the reason most people can't use the pencil effectively.
Sometimes, people tell you to assume who your talking about is a man, using "him." Here's an example from my Biology teacher:
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So if the Kangaroo is hungry, *he's* going to hop over and find something to eat.
I know you should assume who your talking about as a "he" in some language ~ that is particularily true in French. However, even if you're are going to sound funny:
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So if the Kangaroo is hungry, they are going to hop over and find something to eat.
...at least you'll be correct.
