Since being in Soc 341 (and even before that) I've noticed the double standard that society has for using derogatory terms against women versus using derogatory terms towards men. From my observations in media, music, slang, dialogue between other people, etc. (especially in the last five years or so) women have been openly referred to as "bitches". Pardon my french on the blog, but it relates to the topic. It seems like what originated as a term of insult to the female sex has now become a common nickname in America. In music today (especially rap) women are often referred to as bitches, broads, hoes; and sadly that language has trickled down into everyday society and impressionable young men and women use it in their everyday vocabulary. There's a new song on the radio called "Sexy Bitch" by David Guetta ft. Akon. The lyrics are, and I quotee "She's nothing like a girl you've ever seen before, had to stop what I was doing so I could pul her close, I'm trying to find the words to describe this girl without being disrespectful....Damn you a sexy bitch!" Are those the best words he could find to describe his attraction to her?! Does he really consider that to be respectful and are women expected to accept that? Another example, there is a new saying that people use with each other, often in a joking manner when tell friends not to do something stupid. They say "Don't be that guy" when talking to a guy, and when talking to a girl I've heard both guys and girls say "Don't be that bitch".,,why couldn't it be "Don't be that girl".
It left me thinking, have we become so desensitized to degrading names towards women to the point where we use them effortlessly? It also seems that in our society there are not common/everyday degrading terms used for a man. Of course there ARE terms of insult that you could use for a guy (i.e., tool, prick, douche bag, etc.) but you do not hear the use of those words being used to refer to a guy on a general bases. In fact, you rarely hear it, and when you do it is from someone who is angry with or making fun of that guy. But you won't hear it in music to refer to the general male sex, like you would a derogatory term for a female. I've also noticed that if you want to really REALLY offend a guy, what do you do?...you call him a Bitch! Which men hate because it is condescending and demasculinizing.
So what message is society really sending? Is it subliminal way to keep women "in their place"?
We can be powerful, we can be sexy, we can be intelligent, we can be independent but at the end of the day we're still bitches? It's got me thinking....
What do you think?
I have to agree that out in the open the term bitch, which is defined as a female dog, is used a lot.
ReplyDeleteHowever, going back to what Tannen said about public and private voices. Though the term bitch is used in the open in a public matter. I found women degrade men in private settings as much as men in the open. How many times have women talk to a friend about how bad men are? It may not be in the open but it still there and influencing younger generation when they hear their mother's talk about how much a dog their father is.
Is it right to say that what men do in the open is wrong when a women does it behind the back of the accused?
I also wonder why should bitch be a worst insult than being called a dog? Ever wonder how a women would respond to being called a dog? It is demeaning and defeminizing to the female.
As well as dogs can be loyal and faithful companions, not caring who you are or what you do they'll stick by you. So why should the insults dog or bitch even be a insult?
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ReplyDeleteI'd say physical safety is a factor. Domestic abuse? Male on female most of the time.
ReplyDeleteWhy would a woman call a man a bitch just to humiliate him publicly for a single moment, when he can tail her home and kill her in some of the worst ways possible?
People, not just women, tend to convey what they truly think and feel, only with people they can trust. In many cases, women only have other women to turn to, and they can talk and vent and connect in their own sanctuaries. Is that wrong? No. It's just sort of sad.
So often women feel or truly are powerless in their private lives. I don't have an answer for why so many women can't change their situations or escape, since every woman's story is unique.
IF women were just as physically and economically powerful as men, and they had equal chances of walking out of a confrontation with men as the male party, then maybe they'd feel like they can back up their fighting words with action.
There is nothing sad with sharing one opinion to a single member. What I'm saying it has just at much of affect on society as a whole just as much as talking out loud.
ReplyDeleteThink about how many people really listen and believe someone screaming out obscenities, but commit to a personal connection.
Women do have the physical and economical power to men. Our Prof. even said many women choose not to do it.
The problem is an implied rule that effects women and men. We can't just go blaming the other side for this when both sides are using it. Do you really believe most men will follow you home to kill you in a the worst of way?
This remark even give the implied rule that men will do this. It gives the implied rule that women will not kill a man in the worst kind of way.
We can't get anywhere thru finger pointing and saying If we are this or If we are that. Just do it. There are plenty of women out there that are just as powerful as men and men who are as weak this supposed oppressed women. Doing something is much better than finger pointing and playing the what if game.
I dont think it is right to name call anyone but people still do it. Men do it & even women do it wether its in the open or not. I even do it too, i wont lie. But only when i am mad. I've called both men & women "bitches". I guess it became more like a trend than trying to say it as a "bad word". However i dont say it as much just because i choose not to.
ReplyDeleteI have heard this song and i would have to agree it is very degrading. There is much to work on in order to better the treatment of others especially a marginalized group. The best way to begin is awareness. Through talking about it and making it public so that all can understand a different perspective. Although some do not learn this way and must actually be placed in this position in order to empathize. Along with this we must evaluate ourselves and understand the other perspective. I am not saying anyone side is correct but when we impose identities to one side we begin to make some unfair generalizations. We socialized to only see things from our own perspective since this is the view we know. Speaking not only for this case but many other cases which can be interpreted either way the best way to reach equality is to come to a respectable middle ground in which neither side feels they did not have an equal say or determination on certain issues.
ReplyDelete"kodigo" well said
ReplyDelete