A few weeks ago, we received a post from Naomi, who noted that she is on a personal crusade to rid the world of the phrase “like a girl” used in a belittling way. She notes that people would never tolerate that type of language if it had to do with race.
Naomi is right. Her post also made me start paying closer attention to similar sexist language that appears to now be considered acceptable, even among people who otherwise seem to care about equality. While two of the following three terms are considered vulgar, that’s not as important as the sexist stereotypes they convey:
- The offensive “pussy,” apparently the new “sissy,” used in otherwise progressive liberal venues to mean “weak, indecisive, lacking courage.” For example, last year on the Daily Show, Jon Stewart referred to Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives as “throwing a pussy party” after they voted to continue funding for the Iraq War.
- “Having balls,” “being ballsy,” and variations apparently are meant to convey boldness and staying power. Rush Limbaugh recently drew on similar terms to insult Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine after her vote with the Democrats on health care: “She is the voice of the new castrati, those who have lost all manhood, gonads, guts, and courage.” (Attacks like Limbaugh’s show how brave Snowe’s vote actually was.)
- Using “she” to refer to a man, intended as an insult. I saw Christopher Hitchens recently use this in a debate, referring to male moderator Jay Diamond: “I appreciate devious questions, but I wish she would have the guts to put some of those to my opponent . . .”
Language matters because it shapes attitudes and therefore behavior. What ideas do girls form about themselves when they hear both male and female anatomical references used to devalue women? So when we hear these terms, it might be time to ask people, “Why’d you say that? What does lack of guts or weakness have to do with women?” (And even, “Ever heard of Hillary Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, and Eleanor Roosevelt?”)
Yes, this type of language is edgy. In fact, it’s so edgy that it’s over the line, and I’ve started calling foul when I hear it used.
Steve
