General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Misogynistic language.... [View all]NanceGreggs
(27,825 posts)... is just a word.
If it is offensive because it reduces all women to a body part, then the use of "prick" or "dick" reduces all men to a body part. And yet those words are used all the time - here and in real life.
Yes, I will repeat that - it is just a word. It may be offensive to some, but its usage does not carry any more weight than other words that some find offensive. Its usage does not change minds about how all women are to be perceived any more than referring to a man as a "prick" changes anyone's mind as to how all men are to be perceived.
And the fact that the C-word is commonly used in other countries/cultures with a completely different meaning attached thereto speaks for itself.
I am NOT, and never will be, defined by what others choose to call me. Give me equal pay for equal work, equal opportunity to advance myself in my chosen career, equal rights across the board, and stay the fuck out of my vagina. THOSE are the things I care about, for myself, my daughter, and all other women. How you choose to refer to me is of no consequence - but my rights ARE of consequence.
It is the intent behind words that matters. I'd rather be called a c**t outright (and I have been) than be referred to as a "there-there little lady", "a bless-her-heart mouthy female", or a "woman who doesn't know her place." Those terms often amount to the C-word, and couching that word in more "acceptable" language doesn't change the intent by hiding it behind more politically-correct terminology.
Believing that telling others that refraining from using a certain word is "combating a mindset that is all to prevalent and one that is harmful to women," is beyond naive. The attempt to ban certain words - or books, films, art, etc. - does nothing to change minds about anything.