Reply #96: Like I said...

[ant]

If that's the case, then I know this isn't my community and will go elsewhere. There's no point in hiding how people feel about each other.

Whether or not bitch is offensive really does depend on the context, so whenever you see it used in an offensive way, say so, hit alert, etc. Maybe in that way we can evolve a set of norms that posters and mods can use.

All this fighting isn't going to get us anywhere, and even if the word is banned there's just going be lingering resentment and new ways of expressing the same hatred. I think the women of DU - and the men who agree with them - need to start policing this on their own. A single woman who points it out or complains is likely to be ignored, but let a flock of real bitches land on their heads and perhaps people will learn real fast that sexism will not be tolerated.

Really - next time you see the word used offensively, drop me an email. Get a list of other women who would be willing to join in, and we can work together to call attention to the individual posters who display behavior we feel is inappropriate, and others can learn and hopefully understand (assuming they're sincere about understanding women's struggles in the first place) what it is we're talking about.