Quote from: Mister on March 11, 2009, 03:16:44 PM
Slice it any way you'd like, but bitch is sexism.
As for the thread "a few years back," I haven't been around that long, but if that guy was using sexism in his post, i'd find that just as inappropriate.
Slice it any way you wish; but that word is sexism to you and to myself, Mister. Period. There may be others who totally agree with us, but there are many who won't.
But my experience with MTFs, and much of it has been rocky due to not just that word but to many other terms and attitudes that I find sexist and demeaning, but they find "empowering and complimentary." The heads knock and we all walk away thinking that we have "won."
I agree with you completely about not only the word itself, but also the general attitude that there are huge differences as to "how women can fight and how men fight."
There are various tactics that men are likely to use in their fights and there are various tactics that women may be more inclined to use. The foundation for those does tend to be patriarchal and sexist.
But, why I cannot imagine, a lot of MTFs feel a certain validation in being called "bitch" and have no problem using the word. They also find a certain validation in being told "you act like a woman."
How one acts like a woman -- well, I suppose we all find different ways to act like a woman as you may well find a different way to act like a man.
But, when it all comes down to it, you and I cannot make people see that that word is dismissive and demeaning. If someone finds that it validates her as a woman, then how can I change that?
Shrug and let it go. You'll not change anyone's mind who doesn't have a changed mind already. People either learn or they don't. Not every battle is worth the fight. Try to see that. Makes for a more peaceful life. Besides, if they don't agree with you the constant calling them on it will only solidify the resistance to what you say.
Nichole