History of Feminism
In reply to the discussion: (HOF THREAD!) SO is the word "BITCH" still acceptable on DU... [View all]F4lconF16
(3,747 posts)We all have them--the word can be used for either gender, no problem. Though people may use it more for males where you live (and I'd guess probably in the majority of places) it CAN be used for either. It does not, like the word "bitch", denigrate an entire class of people based on unalterable (non-choice) personal aspects.
"Bitch" refers to females, period. It has for a long, long time and will continue to. It is a slur based on the stereotypical "bitchy" female--assertive, dominant, whiny, etc. It's a fucked-up term that does not have an equivalent for the male gender, as with the words "slut", "cunt", and others.
"jerk, cad, or schmuck"
Again, just because a word isn't used against a gender doesn't mean it can't be. These don't denigrate men because they're men, or a certain type of men. Though I admit I don't remember about the word cad, but I think it isn't, and nevertheless it does not have the cultural prevalence or power, and should be considered irrelevant. Btw, I call my female friends jerks all the time.
That you would pretend that it does not have a very, very sexist history and a meaning past being the "female equivalent" to asshole (which is ENTIRELY untrue) is pretty disgusting, especially in a protected group--one of the few places on this board women can be somewhat safe. It has been stated unequivocally by the admins here that the term is sexist. If you really think it's "your right" to use it or some bullshit like that, then you're in the wrong place.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/125554107#post1
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