Feminism Friday: On “Bitch” and Other Misogynist Language

[seabeyond]

Last edited Mon Feb 6, 2012, 06:27 PM - Edit history (1)

It began in the comments section of another blog, when I objected to a contributor denouncing a male public figure he didn’t like as an “all-around cunt.” Naturally, I was mocked for pointing out that demeaning and marginalizing sexist language has the capacity to make women feel demeaned and marginalized. I don’t have any relationship with the contributor who used the term, so I emailed another contributor whom I know better to inquire if using the n-word as an insult is considered appropriate at the blog, and if it would have been acceptable for the public figure to be deemed an “all-around faggot.” I was told that anything was allowable “within reasonable limits.” Racial slurs would not be tolerated or defended, but the use of sexist language was acceptable. Which, by my calculations, means that if you’re lambasting a black male public figure, calling him a stupid n—-r is out of bounds, but calling him a stupid cunt is totally cool.

I’d like to point out it’s a trade-off which insulates other black men against collateral debasement, but just debases black women in a different way, along with their sisters of all colors. I’m sure that’s just a coincidence. Ahem.

So, unlike the racial slurs that would not be neither tolerated nor defended, the misogynist slurs that would be both tolerated and defended were thusly justified:

The Brits use it.
I use it.
The guy who used it is “no misogynist.” He was using this term for female genitalia to insult a man, after all, and his intent was not to be misogynistic.
Comparing cunt to the n-word isn’t accurate and trivializes the n-word.
He can’t “abide” the policing of their comments threads by the PC police (i.e. me).

Quite honestly, I’ve had almost this exact same conversation before with male, self-identified liberal/progressive bloggers at whose blogs I objected to the use of sexist language, which is why I’m not identifying the blogger with whom I had this conversation. It’s far too typical for me to single him out. I was, however, particularly disappointed by the way this conversation went, because I had thought that the person with whom I was speaking would be receptive to hearing how alienating it is, if for no other reason than because it will necessarily limit their audience. I was evidently mistaken.

http://finallyfeminism101.wordpress.com/2008/05/16/feminism-friday-on-bitch-and-other-misogynist-language/



i wanted to add this. another poster had it on another thread. this is how we know, that bitch has not lost its value in subjugating women, imo.

[JTFrog]

1. This was an excellent read.

I'm definitely rethinking my participation at this so-called "liberal" website. As the article points out, there are plenty of liberal websites and blogs that "self-censor".

[BlueIris]

2. "Comparing cunt to the n-word isn’t accurate and trivializes the n-word."

Jesus Christ. I can't believe anyone thinks EITHER term is acceptable.

[laconicsax]

3. Rinse, lather, repeat.

Someone calls a woman an "evil cunt" on DU and among the excuses made on their behalf were:

"The Brits use it."
"I use it."
"The person who used it is “no misogynist.""
"Comparing cunt to the n-word isn’t accurate and trivializes the n-word."
"He can’t “abide” the policing of their comments threads by the PC police"

[seabeyond]

4. that made me giggle and roll eyes, too. nt

[CrispyQ]

10. Unfuckingbelievable.

"Comparing cunt to the n-word isn’t accurate and trivializes the n-word."

[WingDinger]

5. All derogatory terms, are intended to cement the INGROUP, by alienating the OUTGROUP.

You can categorize them, but it does no good. Opposing the insular directly, is the fix. and this should be quite simple, as those doing the stigmatizing, are not the real elite. They are HOPING to enter the ingroup. By hate ingraciating themselves.

I dont really consider all jokes though, as culpable. Depending on the intention.

[Jim Lane]

6. I think "bitch" is closer to becoming generic.

The linked article states:

Bitch is a word we use culturally to describe any woman who is strong, angry, uncompromising and, often, uninterested in pleasing men. We use the term for a woman on the street who doesn’t respond to men’s catcalls or smile when they say, “Cheer up, baby, it can’t be that bad.” We use it for the woman who has a better job than a man and doesn’t apologize for it. We use it for the woman who doesn’t back down from a confrontation.

That's true, but it's not the whole truth. "Bitch" is also used as a verb to mean "complain" (with a negative connotation).

For example, I've said things like "If we get into that subject at the meeting, Dave will waste ten minutes bitching about what we did last year." Here I'm using a word with a negative connotation because I'm upset at the prospect of wasting time on pointless recriminations.

I wouldn't use "cunt" but I think "bitch" is on a different footing.

[seabeyond]

8. i think bitch still holds it meaning...

[Neoma]

7. I don't think people know what bitch means anymore.

They think, "Oh, it's just a female dog." Well, that's only half of explanation. Every definition I've seen glides over what it really means. Why is it a derogatory term for women, what's so bad about being a dog? Dogs are mans best friend, people love dogs! Although I suppose being called trained and submissive pretty damn insulting if you think about it. But that's still not the definition.

It means a female dog in heat, that any dog can fuck. (You hope it'd be a dog anyways.) That's also where the term "son of a bitch" came from.

But that's definitely not what people think it means these days.

[noamnety]

9. I had that same basic discussion

on a forum for Veterans for Peace. Pissed me the hell off.

I was seriously disillusioned after that.

[Tumbulu]

11. such a nightmare of a picture-

sad discussion to still be having.

[laconicsax]

12. On an allegedly progressive board, no less.