in our culture (American) we are referred to as girls and not women while men still get to be called men? You dont see too many men referenced as "boys" I have seen women on reality shows be referenced as "girls" up until the age of 35. This doesnt seem to be only on reality shows but on alot of our media. What are your thoughts?
2007-09-22 13:16:55 · 22 answers · asked by Loosid 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Consider the great power of language/words to shape our thoughts, concepts, beliefs, and actions. We should never underestimate them. Calling women girls trivializes and discounts women and the men who use the term. If we call women girls, we disempower them and don't have to take them seriously.
The powerful effect of using euphemisms is an example. Calling killed and maimed innocent bystanders collateral damage is an example. "Acceptable level" is usually added by those using such terms, which makes the idea even more horrifying. Imagine the effect of the media and organized slaughter machines called military if they stopped using euphemisms and called carnage what it is.
Many of us trivialize the trivializing power of words by saying it's okay to use dismissive terms because they disguise themselves as a compliment.
Realizing the reality of an issue doesn't mean we need to lose our sense of humor and become anal, but it does mean we need to be informed and understand the truth of an issue and be very selective of whom we allow to use terms that trivialize half the population.
2007-09-22 13:28:39 · answer #1 · answered by jaicee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What's in a name?
2007-09-22 13:20:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Having gone through the "women's lib" era, I can tell you that this is a small thing. Nonetheless, you have a good point. Thing is, there are some limitations to any language as well as oddities in idiomatic expression.
I think back to a few days ago when I addressed two female friends as "you guys." Usually, I would use "ladies," even informally, but I'm sure I've used "girls" myself.
You really have to look at the intention of its use. I don't think this should be over-generalized.
There are plenty more things we could get seriously offended over... like equal pay.
2007-09-22 18:35:44 · answer #3 · answered by Suzanne 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is that the video of Erin Pizzey talking about DV where she claims that men aren ALSO victims and the they are systematically discriminated against by a gynocentric system with all its anti-male laws and "must arrest" clause? I was concerned while I watched that video. Erin Pizzey has always been on record fighting for equal rights and highlighting how the issues regarding men who are victims of DV are pushed under the carpet. One of the things that stood out (which I can remember now) is that it talks about a statistic that "ALL women are slapped once a day". What? I have NEVER slapped a woman my entire life, so does this twisted "statistic" claim that some of these women are also slapped by other men/women? I'm sure I know women who have NEVER been slapped/hit their entire life! This is what happens when ideologues twist statistics to "prove a point". I'm starring this question so I can watch it later on. Thanks for posting it.
2016-05-21 02:08:09 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Women like to be thought of as young and men hate being called boys. Just the culture ... men don't mind telling their age and women seldom tell their age.
2007-09-22 13:24:07 · answer #5 · answered by Jeancommunicates 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not really~ its such a little thing , why waste energy worrying about the small stuff??
It may make you feel better to know that over here in Australia~ we always call our men boys! And women are often called the little woman no matter what the age!
Blessed Be!
Ariel
2007-09-22 13:45:13 · answer #6 · answered by *~Ariel Brigalow Moondust~* 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't get your information from (un)"reality" shows. I always most people older than me (I'm 32) that I know pretty well as "boys" and "girls" when I greet them a) because it's a little way to bring a smile to their faces when I say Hi, and b) some actually think it's a complement that I remark how young they appear.
2007-09-22 13:25:15 · answer #7 · answered by the_way_of_the_turtle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a feminist, it appalls me how often this occurs. The patriarchal BS that pervades not only this forum, but ALL of our society is just sickening. We as women, of all faiths and non-faiths, should object VEHEMENTLY whenever this happens not just to us personally, but to any one of us.
DON'T JUST TAKE IT!!!! I can't tell you how angry it makes me. We are diminished in the eyes and minds of society overall and men in particular, and who is going to do something about it if WE don't?????
Want a suggestion? If some man refers to you as a girl or you and some friends as "girls" immediately and sarcastically refer to him as a BOY, a very little boy who hasn't had enough proper education to be let out to PLAY with the other boys. if they don't take you seriously, give it right back and tell him WHY!!! Educate those friggin fools!!!!!!!!
ggggrrrrrr...... as you can see, this is a sensitIve area for me!!!!! Thank you for bring it up!! WOMEN, UNITE!
2007-09-22 13:48:01 · answer #8 · answered by Lady Morgana 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, tbh - I'm glad I am German ;-)
People call you "Frau Surname", they'll use the formal form of "you" and you're certainly a (young) woman by the age of 16. I don't like people being too friendly with me; I have enough friends without strangers acting like we've been best mates for a long time.
So, yeah, I would mind it.
2007-09-22 13:21:22 · answer #9 · answered by Maria - Godmother II of the AM 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't pay any attention to it. Physically speaking, I am a girl (though I'm 36 yrs old). I don't take any offense to it because it isn't how another views it that defines what I am... so them calling me a "girl" doesn't mean squat. =)
2007-09-22 14:33:07 · answer #10 · answered by River 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋