Lets see feminists debunk this...?

Question

Why do women who claim to be proud of being women find it derogatory when someone calls them "woman?" Sometimes I use it with my friends or colleagues in a positive context e.g. "What a great idea, woman!" And they still take offense... If I say, "What are you talking about, man?" no man will get insulted. How can feminists advocate women rights if they think deep down women are inferior and being called "woman" is degrading?

DeidreO: source: Real Life, you need to get out more, woman!

Answer 1

There really are no "acceptable" terms for the female human. They seem to find fault with all of them. Woman, Lady, Girl, Chick, etc. It doesn't matter. They find fault with them all.

At one point, I tried taking their side, by downplaying these words in conversations with them I said things like:

"I don't think you're really a girl."
"You are hardly a lady."
"Hmmm - some woman you turned out to be"
"You are about as far away from being a babe as is humanly possible"

They didn't like that either.

Women will never be satisfied.

Answer 2

I do not have an issue with being called a woman in the right context. If you are saying something like " Where you at woman!" in a joking manner I would not be offended, but if you said " Cook my dinner woman" that would mean that you see me as someone inferior and it would become a derogatory statement. I equate calling someone a "woman" in that context the same way a man would have an issue with someone saying "shut up boy" or "boy you need to be smacked."

Answer 3

yes great point if your proud of being a woman you shouldn't have a problem being called that by someone. Now I'll try to defend............... It based off the context that you use it I guess they might see you saying "wow that a great woman" and the woman being something they see a stereotypical female that they are trying to sperate themselfs. when you "What are you talking about man" alot of people want be brother by it just as if you would have said dude. they just take your use of the word woman as if your define or using it in the way that they think is trying to make them feel inferior it all in the way you use it I gues.

can't wait for a feminist response to this

Answer 4

I can't answer for "woman" (because I'm male) but I will say this:

"Hey, man" is a a style of speaking English that came out of the 1960s, and it was indicative of the desire to foster "brotherhood" (a term that itself is sexist) and more love in the world. It is also a style that is more informal, relaxed, and considered "hip" the way today many people still use terms like "cool" or the newly adopted "sweet." If you can agree with what I say above, to say, "I don't agree with you, man" is then a way to ease tension.

"I don't agree with you, woman," is a different story. To use "woman" in this sense harkens back way before the 1960s to a time when "woman" was automatically assumed to mean "inferior." If you speak to a woman whose name you know, and you use "woman" in any manner like what I'm suggesting above (including "That's a great idea, woman."), it is derogatory because of the history of the Anglo culture and its patriarchal structure. Now, depending on the context of a discussion, if you were to say, "I disagree with you because you're a woman," you'd be more honest than saying it the first way.

If you think you can simply substitute "Hey, woman" for the more accepted "Hey, man," you're trying to ignore decades of oppression toward women. You can't exactly apply that kind of logical thinking to the issue.

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Answer 5

It depends on the context in which it's used. I think sometimes people think that feminists MADE things, instead of OBSERVING them. The use of "woman" in that context is actually meant to be degrading, or an insult, e.g. "shut up, woman." It also depends on the speaker's intent. If I say to a friend, "hurry up, woman!" it's meant to be a joke, just like I'll call my gay friends "h0mos." But if someone else says it and they are intending to use it as a put-down, then that is what it becomes.

Answer 6

Although women's rights have come a long way, our culture changes more slowly. In earlier American history Women were considered to be man's 'property'. Women were not allowed to own real estate, if her husband died, she had to relinquish her home unless his family allowed her to stay. Women were not allowed to open bank accounts, nor get credit, without her husband's permission. Laws existed on the books as to what kind of beating you could give your wife. Women were not recognized as citizens in our constitution except for the 14th amendment giving women the right to vote. Therefore adding 'woman' to the end of a sentence was demeaning, for example;Come here woman!, She's my woman! shut your trap woman!
Times have changed. I would say now some women would perceive it as depersonalizing;demeaning her. It really depends on the situation, and the context of the statement. To those women who attack feminists I quote a line from a song by Holly Near: "....If I had not suffered, you wouldn't be wearing those jeans!" think about it.

Answer 7

It depends on the context; as was said, the word man is used commonly and casually, same as guys basically could refer to men, women or a mix of the two...

Woman is rarely used in the same context except when it is used in a sexist manner as if you were talking down to her or commanding her; ie "Wheres my dinner, woman?"

Its not that you are calling her a woman that is offensive to her; its more likely the context in which you meant the word...

Answer 8

I'm a woman who welcomes being called "woman" compared to being called "lady" "honey" "darlin'" "sweetheart" or
"sweetie". Since research has proven men's bass gains first attention, as opposed women's tenor or soprano, it might mean the women you know automatically react with resentment for that reason. A simple matter of fairness in equality, with women who talk saying nothing worth hearing being as prevalent as men.

Answer 9

Because a great deal of time 'woman' is said in a derogatory tone. I've only met one guy who managed to not sound condescending while saying 'woman.'

When you are speaking your tone and the context count as much as the words you choose.

Answer 10

It would bother me, not because I'm female and hate my gender, or think I'm inferior, or being degraded. I'm quite noticeably female and find it amusing when someone outside work refers to me as "woman". Aren't they Captain Obvious.

The majority of the problem comes from the fact that you're doing it at work, and it's inappropriate language for the workplace. Terms like "man" and "woman" as your using them are informal and not a sign of respect for your co-workers. At work, it is proper to use a co-workers name or position title when addressing someone.