General Discussion

jeff47

(26,549 posts)

134. So what is the safe word to use when you want to call a woman a "dick"?

Reply to ProdigalJunkMail (Original post)

Tue Mar 6, 2012, 10:29 AM

Mar 2012

What, exactly, is sexist about calling a woman a cunt? It's not flattering, but not flattering is not the same as sexist. Is calling a man a dick sexist against men?

Or are we now the language police, retreating to the fainting couch whenever someone says a word like "fuck"?

To answer your question, the difference is Maher apologized and acknowledged that he hurt people. Same for Ed Shultz. Limbaugh has not. He has doubled down, and released an "apology" along the lines, "I'm sorry if anyone was offended". Not "I was wrong".

Plus, calling a woman a whore 53 times and demanding a sex tape from her isn't the same as calling a woman "bimbo" once.

Heck, even David Frum disagrees with the attempts at false equivalence: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002389543

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why IS it ok for Maher to say hideous things about women [View all] ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 OP

I don't watch Maher either BUT he's on cable and Limbaugh is on the public Ecumenist Mar 2012 #1

i can see taking him off of AFN ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #3

Sadly, I have to say, that it is more about the venue AND the fact that Maher was Ecumenist Mar 2012 #50

Maher launched a singular attack on Palin, Limbaugh denigrated an entire segment of our population. FarLeftFist Mar 2012 #221

What's your theory? 2ndAmForComputers Mar 2012 #230

It is the venue. Talk to the FCC about it. And Rush is all over the radio on public airways. nt nanabugg Mar 2012 #102

Because there are huge scales of difference between what Maher does and what Limbaugh did. redgreenandblue Mar 2012 #2

i disagree...he called Palin a cunt and a twat ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #5

I'd be interested in some more background info. redgreenandblue Mar 2012 #7

while I am not sure of the order of events ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #11

I think the thing is that Rush has taken it to a new level. redgreenandblue Mar 2012 #74

I think there's a big difference between the two events Major Nikon Mar 2012 #199

His show airs once a week itsrobert Mar 2012 #200

um...he does more than just his show... ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #201

Can you give me more context itsrobert Mar 2012 #203

Link please. 2ndAmForComputers Mar 2012 #223

And NOW and every other feminist were pissed off. Luminous Animal Mar 2012 #17

hell no he should not get a pass ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #20

Actually, a lot of people on DU protest Maher's misogyny. Luminous Animal Mar 2012 #28

not looking for Limbaugh to get a pass at ALL ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #31

He is held to the same standards. The difference with Rush is that even Luminous Animal Mar 2012 #41

i wouldn't go THAT small ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #42

One other factor to consider..... Sheepshank Mar 2012 #149

Well Maher has never pretended to be a liberal, and his audience is not Tunkamerica Mar 2012 #71

Limbaugh should spark some soul-searching the way Don Imus sparked a discussion Zalatix Mar 2012 #127

He called them this during a comedy routine as a comedian not a social commentator. vaberella Mar 2012 #234

the scales are huge but I would say it's between what Sandra Fluke has done vs what Palin/Bachmann LynneSin Mar 2012 #125

It's not. JaneQPublic Mar 2012 #4

Maher attacked a woman for breast feeding her child ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #6

Attack? Sanity Claws Mar 2012 #98

Reaching itsrobert Mar 2012 #211

You are definitely reaching----woah. vaberella Mar 2012 #235

OK here is the difference... Loudmxr Mar 2012 #8

if you don't think Maher holds some sway in the Democratic Party ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #18

BUT Prodigal, the biggest difference between progressives and the other side Ecumenist Mar 2012 #52

Exactly right. GoCubsGo Mar 2012 #104

but why should it matter? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #146

Again, who is saying that it's okay? GoCubsGo Mar 2012 #165

Good God.... ohheckyeah Mar 2012 #167

I couldn't agree more. That was unessessary. UnrepentantLiberal Mar 2012 #184

It's not okay and plenty of people (mostly women) think that Luminous Animal Mar 2012 #9

ah, so because Limbaugh is an asshole and misogynist ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #13

Ah, no. In fact I clearly stated that Maher is a misogynist asshole. Luminous Animal Mar 2012 #19

i disagree with you on that ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #21

And then came the apology Life Long Dem Mar 2012 #137

i think part of it is how politicians and others view them, the Dems/Liberals aren't kissing Maher's JI7 Mar 2012 #10

i can see that ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #14

NOW, feminist bloggers, women and men on DU have criticized Maher... Luminous Animal Mar 2012 #33

as I mentioned below ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #35

I don't watch Maher, that said. Firebrand Gary Mar 2012 #12

i agree, the language should NEVER be used ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #15

You're right misogyny is misogyny SpartanDem Mar 2012 #16

Limbaugh is well deserving of the hate... ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #22

So, Maher is deserving of how much hate? 2ndAmForComputers Mar 2012 #231

It's not ok. When I have criticized the use Liquorice Mar 2012 #23

i have to admit that i have never seen anyone here 'support' ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #24

Unfortunately, in the past I have had discussions Liquorice Mar 2012 #29

i remember the photo ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #36

I wasn't aware the Maher was as politically prominent as Limbaugh REP Mar 2012 #25

he's not...but he does have a strong following ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #27

Its not okay me b zola Mar 2012 #26

in what way is it not comparable? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #30

Misogynistic language is unfortunately deeply rooted in our culture me b zola Mar 2012 #37

and i am sorry you cannot see the pattern in someone ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #38

Again, this isn't just about language me b zola Mar 2012 #45

yes it is ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #58

See, now everyone can see that you are not being truthful me b zola Mar 2012 #217

Comedian does hold water Shankapotomus Mar 2012 #70

have you WATCHED Real Time? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #80

Mahr should not say those things and it is wrong to do so Motown_Johnny Mar 2012 #32

22 threads on the first page of GD at this moment ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #34

Palin was on the scene for months, even years. Motown_Johnny Mar 2012 #39

i think misogyny is misogyny ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #43

So, you should be happy that there is at least one misogynist.... Luminous Animal Mar 2012 #44

not upset at that in the least ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #48

Rush has been spewing women hating crap for decades... Luminous Animal Mar 2012 #61

So if one of your girls, when she is 30 and a college student Motown_Johnny Mar 2012 #54

yes, calling someone a cunt should never be ok ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #56

I said it was wrong, multiple times Motown_Johnny Mar 2012 #63

maher is a punk.... madrchsod Mar 2012 #40

Well put. nt pecwae Mar 2012 #47

maybe because he's not actively trying to take away women's rights Syrinx Mar 2012 #46

i don't call the word 'cunt' colorful language ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #49

Give me some context Syrinx Mar 2012 #51

he called Palin a twat, a bimbo and a cunt ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #55

"cunt" and "dick" seem equivalent to me Syrinx Mar 2012 #57

like i said...i can see that ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #59

How do you feel about Jon Stewart? Syrinx Mar 2012 #64

well, he's just being dickish. Tunkamerica Mar 2012 #76

not fond of that either... ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #81

Where is the quote? You keep saying that he said this, yet you offer no proof Bluenorthwest Mar 2012 #126

you think those words weren't used? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #139

He used the C word in a stand-up show in a Dallas theatre, and a review mentioned it muriel_volestrangler Mar 2012 #176

Cunt may have been over the line, I would have just called her a white trash whore myself... snooper2 Mar 2012 #147

ok...so you would trash race, socio-economic and gender all in one line? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #148

It's her fault she is ignorant, she had opportunities snooper2 Mar 2012 #150

sorry...whore is indeed a generic term ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #153

The analogy doesn't hold. kaitcat Mar 2012 #53

why do people suggest that he is simply a comedian in this ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #62

So what punishment do you think is appropriate for misogynist Maher? kaitcat Mar 2012 #96

I don't get it. It's not okay at all. It's just that what Limbaugh was doing is subsantially worse saras Mar 2012 #60

Yes. As I posted above, I think Rush has taken it to a whole new level. redgreenandblue Mar 2012 #75

It's not okay. K? lukkadairish Mar 2012 #65

Because he was insulting Palin specifically, and non-literally. mainer Mar 2012 #66

Because Maher is a COMEDIAN! Drahthaardogs Mar 2012 #67

Maher doesn't speak for the Democratic party. Rush DOES SPEAK for the GOP. aaaaaa5a Mar 2012 #68

Because Maher is on cable NOT terrestrial radio Jello Biafra Mar 2012 #69

That doesn't make any sense... JSnuffy Mar 2012 #72

ethical gymnastics... ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #83

Well, I don't agree w/what Rush said either..... Jello Biafra Mar 2012 #103

Again.. this doesn't make any sense... JSnuffy Mar 2012 #111

53 attacks on one innocent woman Kingofalldems Mar 2012 #145

Ok....... JSnuffy Mar 2012 #174

There is a difference between private and public here. Ikonoklast Mar 2012 #177

Just so I understand... JSnuffy Mar 2012 #180

Zooooom, swoooosh! Ikonoklast Mar 2012 #185

Fine... JSnuffy Mar 2012 #192

He also made up lies about Ms. Fluke Kingofalldems Mar 2012 #209

I'm going to wait patiently... JSnuffy Mar 2012 #210

Because Maher's show Shankapotomus Mar 2012 #73

This should be an OP Motown_Johnny Mar 2012 #77

I already OPed it. Thanks. Shankapotomus Mar 2012 #79

I saw that Motown_Johnny Mar 2012 #84

Lol...that was my first instinct Shankapotomus Mar 2012 #97

Have you ever even SEEN Real Time? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #82

Roundly political commentary? Shankapotomus Mar 2012 #105

I don't think it is all right, but deutsey Mar 2012 #78

I get it. jefferson_dem Mar 2012 #85

right, it is perfectly ok for Maher to call someone a cunt ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #88

Your OP is all about trying to create (obviously false) equivalencies. jefferson_dem Mar 2012 #93

Who else is making this specious argument? Warren Stupidity Mar 2012 #86

hmmm, i don't recall people say HBO should fire him ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #89

Again the same arguments. Warren Stupidity Mar 2012 #94

just because some tool on the right is using this as defense of Limbaugh ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #204

People did, with his last show. LadyHawkAZ Mar 2012 #202

Hate radio and the right wing blogosphere are littered with this nonsense. jefferson_dem Mar 2012 #95

Women or men who engage in personal attacks against others are fair game for personal attacks. phleshdef Mar 2012 #87

holy SHIT...Palin ASKED to be called a cunt??? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #90

She asked to be attacked by being an attacker. I don't personally prefer to use that term myself. phleshdef Mar 2012 #110

+1 Incitatus Mar 2012 #198

Maher has called ISLAM a violent Religion Tveil Mar 2012 #114

I strongly disagree with him on that. phleshdef Mar 2012 #116

Sandra Fluke's testimony was giving voice to women who need birth control but have difficulty.. greendog Mar 2012 #91

nice blogs Mar 2012 #92

"One of the good guys did something remotely like it... mac56 Mar 2012 #99

it is our very own hyocrisy that is so clear for many. a lot of us recognize seabeyond Mar 2012 #100

Then you are blind. Warren Stupidity Mar 2012 #107

or honest. that is even more ironic that they stand up for rights yet work so hard dehumanizing and seabeyond Mar 2012 #108

+1000 mac56 Mar 2012 #136

Do you actually believe what you just said? laconicsax Mar 2012 #190

yes. Warren Stupidity Mar 2012 #194

I'm sorry, but Bill Maher isn't the actual head of the Democratic Party. baldguy Mar 2012 #101

Who is saying that it's okay? GoCubsGo Mar 2012 #106

it's called comedy....ever heard of it? it's this thing that makes us laugh. spanone Mar 2012 #109

maher is not a political commentator? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #113

It isn't okay, and I don't watch Maher because of it obamanut2012 Mar 2012 #112

When Maher was on the public airwaves... Iggo Mar 2012 #115

Maher is a comedian and on HBO. It is that simple. You can chose to watch or not watch. Fat boy southernyankeebelle Mar 2012 #117

When was the last time they put a gun to your head... JSnuffy Mar 2012 #181

What are you trying to tell me? I don't listen to Limpy. I draw a line when a private citizen is southernyankeebelle Mar 2012 #187

Maher is a douchebag. But he's *our* douchebag. Chorophyll Mar 2012 #118

Excuse me but... A wise Man Mar 2012 #119

thank you for proving the hypocrisy... ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #140

For sure Maher has big issues with women. wildeyed Mar 2012 #120

It isn't OK varelse Mar 2012 #121

I don't think anyone thinks what he said was ok cherish44 Mar 2012 #122

Honestly, I think alot of the outrage is over the fact that Sandra Fluke has done NOTHING to deserve LynneSin Mar 2012 #123

Please explain to me why.... Little Star Mar 2012 #130

Oh I agree, we all need to be better at that LynneSin Mar 2012 #133

or men? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #141

Thank you. Yes, there are many men who are offended as well as women... Little Star Mar 2012 #191

Maher is a comic, and the rules are different. That's the facts o' life. Bluenorthwest Mar 2012 #124

my RUSH? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #142

Oh my goodness gracious, you used some VULGAR LANGUAGE. mac56 Mar 2012 #151

nice try... ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #155

*Sigh* MadrasT Mar 2012 #159

Maher is on a premium pay channel... negativenihil Mar 2012 #128

Easy kctim Mar 2012 #129

+1 Little Star Mar 2012 #131

There is one huge difference that you are missing. RickG Mar 2012 #132

the use of misogynistic terms is NEVER acceptable ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #143

And what about misandry, or doesn't that count? MicaelS Mar 2012 #170

yes...it does matter ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #172

why don't you start a thread about it??? n/t Scout Mar 2012 #179

So what is the safe word to use when you want to call a woman a "dick"? jeff47 Mar 2012 #134

if you cannot find a word other than a misogynistic slur to ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #144

You've yet to explain how it's a misogynistic slur. jeff47 Mar 2012 #161

Does everyone in the Democratic party line up to kiss Maher's ring? I think we bullwinkle428 Mar 2012 #135

Who said it was okay? Catherine Vincent Mar 2012 #138

Good question. Rex Mar 2012 #154

Lemme know when Maher is on AFN shouting hate 3-6 hrs a day. Rex Mar 2012 #152

I agree... ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #156

Of course not...did you not read my post? Rex Mar 2012 #160

the 'however' caught my eye... ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #163

Well it is important to note the difference Rex Mar 2012 #166

you think i am trying to yank some chain? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #171

Insulting a public figure NightOwwl Mar 2012 #157

using the word cunt is the same ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #158

Couple of important differences pokerfan Mar 2012 #162

A comedian vs a politician? joeybee12 Mar 2012 #164

It's not okay for Maher to say those things. I won't watch the guy. I don't think he's funny. IndyJones Mar 2012 #168

Who said it was okay? ohheckyeah Mar 2012 #169

In essence, it's because Maher is "our guy" and Limbaugh is "their guy". hughee99 Mar 2012 #173

Is it ok when Stephenie Miller calls herself a slut? Johonny Mar 2012 #175

Hes a comedian on a subscription based service. Initech Mar 2012 #178

apples and oranges for me GeorgiaDemGuy Mar 2012 #182

Maher is not the Titular Head of the Democratic Party Yavin4 Mar 2012 #183

are you suggesting Maher is "our" Limbaugh? Enrique Mar 2012 #186

I never said it was okay RainDog Mar 2012 #188

I love Bill Maher, but hopefully he will tone it down as well. In fact jillan Mar 2012 #189

It's never right no matter who says it... cynatnite Mar 2012 #193

It's not OK. I quit watching him long ago for that reason. MineralMan Mar 2012 #195

No, it's not okay. Maher is an asshole. I agree with him often but he's an asshole. nolabear Mar 2012 #196

I don't think it was a specific person marlakay Mar 2012 #197

Because we agree with Maher ideologically mackattack Mar 2012 #205

It's not what was said about 'women', it was what Lush said about one woman in particular... truebrit71 Mar 2012 #206

Double standard? mackattack Mar 2012 #208

No, it's okay if one of them is a public figure that expects to be critiqued... truebrit71 Mar 2012 #216

well said mackattack Mar 2012 #219

HBO vs public radio? ecstatic Mar 2012 #207

Yup, public airwaves are suppose to serve the public itsrobert Mar 2012 #213

Huge difference betwen the two Taverner Mar 2012 #212

It sure looks like it. n/t HangOnKids Mar 2012 #215

Most definitely. 2ndAmForComputers Mar 2012 #224

Who says it's OK? Gruntled Old Man Mar 2012 #214

It's not OK but there but what Rush did was far worse. pa28 Mar 2012 #218

Is there a link? I've seen links and video on Limbaugh's vitriolic spew. /nt October Mar 2012 #220

the difference is in your title; hating on women in general vs an individual FREAK got root Mar 2012 #222

WHO SAYS ITS OK? MAHER IS A LIBERTARIAN MISOGYNIST ASSHOLE. undeterred Mar 2012 #225

It's Not And I Suspect His Tweet otohara Mar 2012 #226

Maher was taken off network television for much less than calling someone names notadmblnd Mar 2012 #227

Because hypocracy is not limited to right-wingers. cpwm17 Mar 2012 #228

Maher says some things I disagree with, but I like him. 2ndAmForComputers Mar 2012 #233

It depends if you react to his overt bigotry like you would to any right-winger cpwm17 Mar 2012 #236

I hate when Maher does that stupid shit Whisp Mar 2012 #229

First of all, it's not all right... ljm2002 Mar 2012 #232

I don't give a damn about what Maher did - the right-wingers are using it to distract. backscatter712 Mar 2012 #237

maher is misogynist IMO and always has been however La Lioness Priyanka Mar 2012 #238

As I said... 2ndAmForComputers Mar 2012 #239