I called a girl at work a dumb cow and she said it was a sexist comment. Obviously, it was inappropriate to say but they are investigating to see if this should be handled as a sexist remark which carries heavier pentalties (possibly including getting fired).
2006-08-14 12:52:51 · 29 answers · asked by SlapADog 4 in Social Science ➔ Gender Studies
I'm sure there must be more to this than you're telling. Is there a personality clash? Or is she prone to hating men?
Something else is going on clearly
2006-08-15 03:35:50 · answer #1 · answered by Patchouli Pammy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am very much a feminist and I do not think that is sexist. Heifer is sexist, fine line I know.
I call people a cow all the time! Usually joking but still, give me a break. I am sorry that you are going through this, you should be reprimanded for making an inappropriate comment against a coworker but fired? Are we six now and can't handle a word?
GRRR This kind of junk makes feminists look bad.
2006-08-14 12:59:08 · answer #2 · answered by Mrs. Mad Maddy 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Not sure about that one - I guess it could be since men aren't called "cows" generally. But then, there are adjectives used only for men as well. I can tell you I used to be an office manager and I would probably not view this as sexual harrassment. It seems a far cry from that - it seems a simple case of intense dislike and forgive me for saying this - a big mouth and lack of control on your part. The way I would deal with it would be to have a meeting with you, her and myself and hammer out whether the two of you can continue to work together, possibly seeking out a transfer to a different dept. for one of you. If that isn't possible at your job you may be suspended at the very least. I'm sure you'll think before you let your mouth override your good sense again, good luck to you. Have you tried offering a personal apology to the woman? That could go a long way to smoothing over the incident.
2006-08-15 04:52:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A cow is female. A bull is male. Notice the difference? You didn't call her a dumb bull but a dumb cow.
It's basically the same thing as calling her a dumb b itch. Cattle is the term for both male and female cows.
Mess with the bull, you get the horns, know what I'm sayin?
2006-08-14 15:01:17 · answer #4 · answered by Victoria R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If "dumb cow" is a sexist remark, then so are "bullshlt", "son of a bltch" and "c*nt-brained mother f*cker". These are expressions that are used every day in the business world by people with the utmost respect for both genders. Therefore, I think it would be appropriate for you to tell her "Your genital area is a black hole that's swallowed your mind". Since this could be true of either a male or female, she will have no option but to contemplate the truth of your comment.
2006-08-14 13:24:28 · answer #5 · answered by beast 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Well it is gender-specific, so I suppose it could be considered sexist. I would much rather be called a big fat jerk than a dumb cow because I would find dumb cow much more condescending due to the gender thing.
Bottom line though, if you are calling anyone names at work, you should probably get investigated.
2006-08-14 12:59:15 · answer #6 · answered by Miro 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Sounds like the truth hurts. If she couldn't handle the truth then of course she'd come up with some bullsh!t to get you in trouble.
Personally if you called me a dumb cow, I'd insult you back then be done with it. No big deal, everyone has an opinion.
Don't sweat it, I hope you don't get into too much trouble.
Have a good one.
2006-08-14 13:00:55 · answer #7 · answered by delilahlookingforsampson 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well, you don't typically call men cows, so it could be construed as a comment referring to her weight and/or gender. I think your intent will likely be considered as well as how she took the remark. She would have to explain why she felt it was sexist and then it would have to be determined what you meant to acheive with the remark. Personally, sexist wouldn't have been the first thing to come to my mind with regard to that statement.
2006-08-14 12:59:10 · answer #8 · answered by Redshift Agenda 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I don't think it is a sexist comment. But you are right, it was inappropriate, not to mention immature! I hope that you do not get fired but more than that I hope you are learning a lesson about how to treat people. I suggest you apologize to her and sincerely mean it.
2006-08-14 13:02:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Cow is a female, bull is male. You should have said I meant that in a generic way. You are a generic dumb cow.
2006-08-14 13:03:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think the way sexual harrassment works is subjective. If she perceives it that way that's all that matters. She could most likely get a lawyer to take the case because of this reason.
Also, a side note, I think it's not nice to call people names at all, regardless of the trouble you can get into.
Good luck!
2006-08-15 05:14:22 · answer #11 · answered by Brooke 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋