When the word 'pussy' is used an insult, do you perceive it as sexist?

[redqueen]

I do.

[ScreamingMeemie]

1. Yes.

It is generally used to define someone as being wimpy, less able, etc...

Which are not typically considered to be descriptive of cats. Especially those in storybooks.

[arely staircase]

210. double entendre (pussy)

Last edited Thu Feb 14, 2013, 10:04 PM - Edit history (1)

the Popular Great Depression Era song My Girl's Pussy

"The double entendre has been used for over a hundred years by performers, including the late-19th-century vaudeville act the Barrison Sisters, who performed the notorious routine 'Do You Want To See My Pussy?'"



notice the cats in their aprons.

"In their most famous act, the sisters would dance, raising their skirts slightly above their knees, and ask the audience, "Would you like to see my pussy?" When they had coaxed the audience into an enthusiastic response, they would raise up their skirts, revealing that each sister was wearing underwear of their own manufacture that had a live kitten secured over the crotch"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrison_sisters

[MissMarple]

257. Too funny! And vulgar.

[cali]

2. you bet.

[Luminous Animal]

3. Yep.

[demmiblue]

4. Yes n/t

[yardwork]

5. Yes. Its use implies that women are weak and wimpy.

[Fresh_Start]

6. of course...the person who says it, intends it to be an insult

so while I don't think pussies are negative...I react to the intended insult.

[joeunderdog]

211. It's getting harder and harder to be offensive and politcally correct these days.

That's quite a challenge.

I guess I'm just gonna have to dig deeper into my bag of insults while I'm on DU.

[Petrushka]

277. Ain't dat da troot!

[Egalitarian Thug]

7. Of course. It refers to the feminine, and nothing is worse than that in macholand. n/t

[arely staircase]

201. feminine is an adjective - eom

[redqueen]

18. This is NOT about me, or my hapoiness. nt

[bunnies]

40. oh boy.

Do you really see what youre saying here?

[bunnies]

68. Believe me...

Ted Nugent has absolutely NOTHING in common with mine!

[bunnies]

75. lol

though he *does* have cat scratch fever.

[11 Bravo]

87. I believe that should be "pants crap fever".

[bunnies]

95. !

I believe you may be correct.

[Luminous Animal]

141. So he's like a woman, eh? Because he like a woman, eh?

Because woman are gutless and weak and men who are gutless and weak are effeminate, like women, Brave men have balls, womanly men are pussies.

Got it.

[yardwork]

151. Cats are weak????!!!!!

[yardwork]

161. So could mine.

[JustAnotherGen]

307. n/s

[Luminous Animal]

168. Yeah right.

[cleanhippie]

224. This whole OP was flame bait trolling.

I like your responses though. Well done.

[Honeycombe8]

251. Devil....it may not offend you, but it IS what's called a vulgarism, in one sense, per Merriam...

2pus·sy
noun \ˈpu̇-sē\
pluralpus·sies


Definition of PUSSY


1

usually vulgar: vulva


2

a usually vulgar: sexual intercourse

b usually vulgar: the female partner in sexual intercourse

[Honeycombe8]

259. As I said, it may not offend YOU, but you are not alone in the world. This is not devilgrrl island.

Welcome to earth!

[Honeycombe8]

261. Hey, I'm not the one being inconsiderate of others who find a term really vulgar & offensive.

So the argument doesn't work in reverse.

[Honeycombe8]

268. Nope. You attacked me, when I merely cut and pasted the definition of a word.

Insisting that I am the problem....not the definition that you disagree with.

[sabrina 1]

311. Doesn't offend me either. What does offend me are women being droned to death

along with their children by our government, in my name, eg. When I think of that, and their pleas to us here to try to stop the carnage, a mere word doesn't even get on my radar screen frankly.

I wish we all that luxury, to spend endless hours and days on one word. But I do use the opportunity to try to draw attention to the actual problems women face in today's world every chance I get. And oddly enough, those claiming to care about women, rarely seem to care about these issues I have raised and often accuse ME of trying to distract from the huge problem of a single word. I otoh, believe this focus on words is meant to distract from the real issues facing women today.

How many threads is this on this one word and how much has this done for women anywhere? My guess is, nothing, not a thing, and maybe that's the goal, to make women look petty.

[pacalo]

317. This thread is for the purpose of *****A-T-T-E-N-T-I-O-N*****!!!1!!!

And, as a bonus, 20 recommendations make it possible for everyone to see that, no doubt, we place more importance on word usage than about what authoritarian (*cough, cough*) laws the Republican men are ramming through legislatures against us.

How necessary was this OP? It's as productive as flame bait.

And irritating.

[donheld]

278. It's also what a lot of gay kids are bullied with.

I'll bet you knew that. I hope you care.

[redqueen]

44. Don't worry about me...

I'll be fine, but thanks.

I used to think it was no big deal myself, but I've changed my mind about a lot of things related to feminist issues over the years.

[RC]

65. Results of your Jury Service

AUTOMATED MESSAGE: Results of your Jury Service

Mail Message
At Thu Feb 14, 2013, 12:02 PM an alert was sent on the following post:

I didn't want to annoy you
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2374829

REASON FOR ALERT:

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate. (See <a href="http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=aboutus#communitystandards" target="_blank">Community Standards</a>.)

ALERTER'S COMMENTS:

Used a sexist term, in a thread where many say it is a sexist term, to make a point.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Thu Feb 14, 2013, 12:06 PM, and the Jury voted 1-5 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: Not a sexiest term when used like this.
Juror #2 voted to HIDE IT and said: No explanation given
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: Isn't this a thread about that very word? If you don't want to discuss the word don't start a thread about it. Let's be clear, I'm so not a fan of devilgrrl I find her to be extremely rude to just about everyone, but in this case, she's discussing the word the thread is about. Don't start a thread if you only want to hear your point of view. I say leave it.
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: Oh, for crying out loud already. Keep this meta crap in Meta. Expressing no opinion on the alerted reply. If you're going to play around in (or read) a thread like this one, you shouldn't be surprised by what you find there.
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: No explanation given
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: OFFS! What WAS the subject of this OP???

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

I was Juror #1.

BTY, there is nothing sexy about Ted Nugent.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

91. It's really lame when someone alerts a post like this

The poster was only trying to answer the OP's question. A lock really would have chilled the discussion. I'm glad you and 4 others saw it that way.

[redqueen]

99. I can understand it, though...

I can see how someone might interpret the repeated use of the slur in this tautology as being insensitive.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

127. I see your point, if I don't necessarily agree with it.

Since you responded to me, allow me to post my reply to your OP here. No, when the word is used as an insult, I do not think of it as sexist. But I also understand that even if I don't think of it as being sexist, everyone else's results may differ. For what it's worth, I don't think of genetailia, or sex, or anything along those lines when I hear invective being hurled with words like "pussy", "dick(head)", all the variants of "fucker", etc.

thanks.

[redqueen]

135. Thanks... apparently the target of the alert has a fan club (I certainly sympathize)

so that may well have been the real impetus for the alert... I'm not asserting above, just speculating.

[seabeyond]

147. or, it could be, as much as we LOVE devil, lol,

we (as in someone) does not agree with her and it is exactly what you say.

[pacalo]

318. Oh well, you win some & you lose some.

[cleanhippie]

226. The whole point of the OP was to get people to use the word "pussy" in a way they didn't like

so they could have it hidden.

It's pure flame bait.

[seabeyond]

230. bullshit. it was because someone used it and it didnt get hidden. and the same old

came in and said it was not a sexist term. so putting the question out to a larger number of people.

and the vast majority clearly see it as a sexist term.

[cleanhippie]

232. Yawn.

I find your incessant outrage to be boring.

[seabeyond]

233. what about your fabricated outrage. oh really, lets make up a story and insist it is fact

without any knowledge what so ever.

ya, right.

[cleanhippie]

236. What are you on about now? Isn't there someone somwhere on DU using a word you don't like?

Go bother someone else.

[seabeyond]

237. gettin' snotty? nt

[cleanhippie]

238. Panties in a twist? That's SOME hypocrisy you have there. Couple that with never-ending outrage

and you have the making of one fine person.

You stay classy and have a nice day.

[seabeyond]

240. people get away with that always. i figured you would alert and whine about a personal attack again

and my post hidden. hence, me editing. i know how you do things. i gotta be careful as you accuse, yet....

[cleanhippie]

243. Bwahahaha! You seem scared of what you posted so you changed it. There is a word some people use

to describe when a person is being afraid. What is it? Hmmm, it's on the tip of my tongue....





Please, don't stop. Whatever you do. Do. Not. Stop! This is priceless!

[seabeyond]

245. this would be merely another example of fabricated accusations for your agenda. outraged? prove it

oh wait, you cant. it is a chicken shit arguing style.

[cleanhippie]

255. Your incessant outrage is obvious to even the most casual observer. But whatever works for you.

I'll bet you're a real hit at parties.

Do you even KNOW why you are outraged right now? Do you even REMEMBER why you responded to me in the first place?


Hint: me observing your perpetual outrage isn't it. But you've made this about you anyway. Nice job!

[seabeyond]

258. ya, that. and you get the last word.

[datasuspect]

302. ha ha

funny cuz it's true.

[redqueen]

287. No, discussion of misogynist slurs is not a conspiracy against people who use them. nt

[seabeyond]

132. i like you.

lol

[redqueen]

139. That sounds entirely reasonable to me.

[JustAnotherGen]

308. I love you!

And seabeyond, and redqueen - and a bunch of rabble rousing women at DU. And this thread cracks me up.

Especially how seabeyond handles herself. She's awesome!


Okay - enough of this mutual admiration society - back to discussing the pword.

[arely staircase]

192. i really think some people post stuff just to get other people to post

something they can alert on.

[RC]

208. You know they do.

This OP really belongs in META and not here. You can bet the OP has been inoculated right up front, too.
You also gotta know if we tried something like this, our OP would have been hidden or locked

[cleanhippie]

227. That is EXACTLY the point of this OP.

[redqueen]

292. Yes, it isn't the fault of the person posting offensive shit,

It's the fault of the person who 'makes them do it', amirite?

Gee, that special kind of 'logic' sure is familiar.

I wonder where I've heard that kind of effort to blame someone else for one's unacceptable actions before...

[seabeyond]

293. my 5 yr old niece? my 50 yr old alcoholic brother? oh, wait.... rapist and rapist

apologists?

[redqueen]

298. All good examples, but I was thinking of that comment about abused women,

how they 'know how to push buttons'... remember that one?

[seabeyond]

299. oh, gosh yes. isnt that always the one.

my brother i just mentioned. years ago, i told him i would not be hangin' with him when he drank, ever again. we all are expected to walked on egg shells.

he agreed. we should.

i told him... fuck that.

[arely staircase]

312. nice try

eom

[redqueen]

313. I didn't try, I succeeded in interpreting your post.

It's a real shame people try to shift blame like that. You ought to consider not doing it.

The purpose of this thread was to get an idea of how many DUers actually think the insult isn't misogynist. As it turns out, most see it as being misogynist.

I am not surprised at all, this being a progressive board.

[arely staircase]

314. please proceed, redqueen

[redqueen]

315. Proceed to do what? Post tired internet memes

and use references to Obama quotes in nonsensical ways?

I think you've got that covered.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

181. You have never met a brave or courageous woman?

[Sekhmets Daughter]

189. So we should use

"devilgrrl" to call someone a wimp, or coward? I'll make a note of it right now

[Sekhmets Daughter]

195. Only you would think so.

[arely staircase]

214. ego, maybe ?

eom

[Warpy]

133. Use "wimp" or "wuss" or just plain "coward."

Calling them slang for a female body part insults every woman present.

[seabeyond]

148. i was told not wuss, that it is a combo of the two words.... i didnt know.

but it makes sense. and i loved the word. so i just say coward now.

[Warpy]

154. Oh, I think the post above yours says it best

"gutless puke" will work for me.

[bettyellen]

246. i like spineless asshole! (when you're being less political)

[Orrex]

274. You know, in the interest of further muddying the waters...

I first heard the term "wuss" in summer of 1984, and at that time an unimpeachable authority indicated that it refers to the male urethra.

The authority in question was none other than my then 13-year-old friend Ted. You're not calling Ted a liar, are you?


Well, are you?


Unfortunately, I haven't found any online etymology to back up his interpretation, so it's possible that the entire internet is wrong.

[stevenleser]

9. Yes, sexist and against community standards IMHO. nt

[LeftinOH]

10. In spite of the modern interpretation, its etymology may have nothing to do w/genitals:

(from Wikipedia)

The meaning "weak or cowardly person" has a separate etymology. Websters 1913 Revised Unabridged Dictionary lists this version of pussy as an alternate spelling of "pursy", an otherwise obsolete English word meaning "fat and short-breathed; fat, short, and thick; swelled with pampering ..."[1] The interpretation is often misconstrued, as it contains multiple meanings which some consider derogatory.[2] In fact, when pussy appears in the earlier 1828 edition of the dictionary, this definition is presented for the word, while the older pursy is simply offered as a "corrupt orthography".

Pursy (pronounced with a short u, and with the r slurred or silent) was in turn derived from an Old French word variously spelled pourcif, poulsif, poussif, meaning "to push, thrust, or heave". In this sense, it is cognate with the modern French verb pousser, also meaning "to push".

The word pussy can also be used in a derogatory sense to refer to a male who is not considered sufficiently masculine (see Gender role). When used in this sense, it carries the implication of being easily fatigued, weak or cowardly.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

284. Sciences not allowed!!11!!!

this thread is about feeeeliingssss... please take your facts elsewhere, they dampen the outrage.

[JaneyVee]

11. Yes, but...

[bigtree]

19. I can't stop laughing at this

I'm a sick man.

[RandiFan1290]

12. nope. nt

[HockeyMom]

13. Yes, and same as that Beaver Ad

with women looking for a "Woody". The man that wrote that ad must be very OLD besides.

[Mnemosyne]

56. The HS mascot in the town I grew up in is a freaking beaver! Imagine being a teen girl yelling

that at a sporting event.

I'm guessing the name was picked before the truckers had cb's.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

166. Guess ya don't know about the Gamecocks?

[Mnemosyne]

267. I do now!

[Manifestor_of_Light]

295. University of South Carolina.

A gamecock is a fighting cock. You know, that "sport" that Oklahoma refuses to outlaw, because they are still being dragged kicking and screaming into the latter part of the 19th century.


Some guy from South Carolina told me about a football game between the Gamecocks and the Trojans. I bet announcing that was fun.



"The Trojans are taking a wraparound offense"

[DavidDvorkin]

14. No

Maybe you should have made this a poll.

[redqueen]

25. I no longer donate, so I can't. If someone else wants to do a poll, I'll delete this. nt

[bigtree]

23. ooh, seek help

[redqueen]

61. Feminists are well used to such vitriol.

There has been an increasing level of hate and vitriol, directly proportional to the increase in feminist activism online. It's to be expected, really.

[EastKYLiberal]

16. Nope, but out of respect for those that do...

I refrain from using it.

[FSogol]

21. Same here. n/t

[d_r]

32. yeah me too

I didn't think about it being sexist but it was explained to me on du. i believe if something bothers people dont do it. so i learned.

[bettyellen]

244. I want to hug this whole subthread for having consideration for their community

[snooper2]

17. is it being used as a noun or adjective?

[Dreamer Tatum]

20. Nope. It's a diminutive of pusillanimous. nt

[Gormy Cuss]

242. Nope. That's not the etymology according to any valid source Check the OED for example.

It's a false etymology based on the words having a similar sound.

[Melinda]

22. Of course. The inference is femininity as a perjorative

I guess I'm a bit surprised that you'd even have to ask this on this site... and so, it's official nothing here should surprise me anymore. I haz a sad now.

[redqueen]

27. Yep. It is sad. nt

[NV Whino]

24. No

Although, it does depend on context.

[idwiyo]

26. Yes

[Enrique]

28. no, because it is light-hearted

like dick and prick, etc.

The c-word and the b-word on the other hand carry some hatred, imo, so they are different.

[redqueen]

36. IMO having femaleness associated with weakness and cowardice is not lighthearted.

To me, the use of this word as an insult insults all women.

I do not see the word as analogous to 'dick' or 'prick' due to the lack of the institutional and social oppression of males for being male.

[SpartanDem]

55. Is really worse than having maleness equated with arrogance and being unlikable

I guess for me it's digging way too deep I don't think there anything seriously wrong with any of those terms male or female.

[Orrex]

92. I was thinking about that earlier

I actually considered posting a copycat thread along those lines but decided against it.

In addition to what you correctly note about the lack of institutional oppression of males, the terms "dick" and "prick" don't really address (i.e., diminish) the subject's masculinity in the way that "pussy" is intended to do. The terms identify the subject as a jerk but leave his manhood untouched, so to speak.
Granted, they are terms seldom applied to women, but even so they don't even imply that "jerkiness" is an inherently male trait; they're simply saying "you're a male and you're a jerk."

In short, anyone who tries to draw an equivalence of sexism between "pussy" and "dick" is full of crap, which is an admirably gender-neutral state of mind, I should think.

[redqueen]

93. Yes, good insights and well stated...

Thank you

[Orrex]

110. Happy to chime in!

[seabeyond]

94. agreed. good point and thank you for saying this clearly.

i have not been able to say it in a way that is understood.

also, dick being a part of the male anatomy and something men absolutely love. and when a male body part is given to a woman then it is a compliment. she gots some balls.

not the same at all.

[Orrex]

111. You caught me in a moment of lucidity

Who knows how long it might last?!?

[seabeyond]

114. ya... but, have you placed me on ignore? you are psychic. you can reply perfectly

without even knowing what i said.

awesome.... ness

[Orrex]

273. Hey, who said that?

[Egalitarian Thug]

49. Are you a man by any chance? n/t

[sufrommich]

29. Of course it is. nt

[wryter2000]

30. Absolutely

I'm assuming you mean as directed at a man or boy as an insult (calling him weak). To me, calling a male a female as an insult is clearly sexist.

[Ohio Joe]

31. I do - nt

[Nay]

34. Sure. It's not like they are talking about a cat. nt

[La Lioness Priyanka]

37. it is sexist, it is not a question of my perception. nt

[redqueen]

48. I would of course agree...

however since there are both men and women who disagree, and I would rather they entered the thread without already being put on the defensive, I decided to word the question diplomatically.

[Buzz Clik]

38. Yes.

A kid my son used to train with simply cut to the chase: If he wanted to accuse a guy of being weak and spineless, he simply accused him of having a vagina. It was a big eyebrow raiser to hear that for the first time, but I had to give him credit for being honest in his blatant sexism. He was only 17 years old, but he respected my request that he not say that anymore.

[CBGLuthier]

39. No

but that still does not mean I will use the word casually, since many do consider it offensive. There are plenty of other words that work as well.

[retread]

41. Yes!

appropriate

[seabeyond]

43. yes. obviously. purposely. duh... lol, nt

[Cleita]

46. No, I find it insulting to cats though.

I always thought it referred to felines because they are easy to spook and very cautious when in unfamiliar circumstances. I don't know when that word came to mean female genitalia, but I never took that term to refer to women in that context. Maybe I'm just uninformed.

[Taverner]

47. It is in that context

However as a term to refer to a woman's vulva - I think it's cute

[redqueen]

52. I agree re: slang for vulva.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

50. No. It's a legitimate Golf term.

[gollygee]

51. Yes.

Which seems obvious to me.

[phleshdef]

53. No more than when the word dick is used as an insult.

[Drale]

54. I guess you could see it that way

but the way I always looked at it was the it means your skittish like a cat. Most cat's will run away from a fight unless they really think they can win.

[redqueen]

57. I don't hear the word used to refer to cats.

The only exception is in double entendres (and one very old children's story).

For that reason I have never understood how it could possibly refer to cats.

[Drale]

62. Because the original use for the word "pussy" referred to cats

as in pussycat.

[gollygee]

66. The only people I've ever known who used that word for cats

are older, like over 70, and foreign.

[bettyellen]

241. yes! my old Irish aunties used to holler POO see, POOO se, POO see because they grew up on a farm

When my aunt was quite old, a stray adopted her and since it wasn't really hers, she just called it "Pussy". Her very genteel neighbors were mortified. They insisted she was calling it "Posie" because she was getting dotty (with AZ) and she was constantly talking about that cat- about loving, wanting, needing that cat all the time. That was hilarious.

[Journeyman]

58. Better to use "pusillanimous" -- gets the point across better but with an alliterative catch. . .

and the etymology's better anyway, for you truly are accusing someone of having a "small mind or spirit."

[Aerows]

59. Yes

Absolutely it is.

[hack89]

60. Yes. nt

[randome]

63. No. The word has been used for so long and so casually, it now exists on its own, IMO.

Same as for calling someone a dick.

BTW, I don't use either of those words. Just pointing out how I perceive them and how I think they are perceived by most people.

[Demo_Chris]

64. Of course. This is always an interesting topic n/t

[Spider Jerusalem]

67. No.

I perceive it as misogynistic. (Sexism and misogyny aren't the same thing and the words aren't interchangeable.)

[seabeyond]

79. spider... good point. nt

[redqueen]

83. Thank you!

That distinction is something I'd like to see become more widely understood. Unfortunately most people seem to think sexism is just a less serious form of misogyny, and actually get upset at things they consider 'petty' being called misogyny.

Sigh.

[Dash87]

69. Yeah. It's an annoying part of our super-machismo culture.

[DevonRex]

70. Yes. It should NEVER be used here. I will go ballistic if I see it.

That and another word.

[TorchTheWitch]

72. of course

Because it is.

[meanit]

73. I always figured it to be in reference

to being like a "pussy willow". Soft, inoffensive and harmless.

But that's just me. lol

But I do realize the vulgar text in which it is usually meant.

[War Horse]

74. Yes. It is a sexist insult, IMO.

But I don't automatically assume that the person using said insult is a sexist.

[Soundman]

76. Nope

In the circles I travel in the term pussy refers to be being scared, like a scaredy cat. If you want to refer to a fellow by a woman's genitalia, the c word is used. This is coming from a fellow who grew up in some not so savory bars.

[DonViejo]

77. Absolutely. n/t

[joeybee12]

80. My first reaction is it is homophobic...

But yes, also sexist.

[procon]

81. If you can't figure that out on your own,

maybe you other issues about women that are even more inappropriate.

[seabeyond]

82. yup. redq is like the HUGEST sexist on du, for all times. we try....

we try to get her kicked off for her rampant misogyny, but the administration holds firm, allowing her to stay. lol

oh, and welcome to du.

edit... never mind the welcome. i see you have been here for years. lol

[LiberalLoner]

84. Yes!

[petronius]

85. Yes. (And it's a 'Hide' in the DU jury context for me...) nt

[WinkyDink]

86. There is no other way TO perceive it.

[protect our future]

88. No. Not until I saw this thread.

But then, I don't look for sexism around every corner and everywhere else as well.

[WinkyDink]

96. What?! You actually thought a man using this term for another man was referring to a CAT?

"Get a load of that guy! What a Manx!"

[protect our future]

113. No, of course not. I've always used the

term interchangeably with "wus."

[Marrah_G]

89. Sexist and homophobic

[Starry Messenger]

90. Yes.

Very much so. I don't allow it in my classroom either. It's a bigoted slur.

[MuseRider]

97. YES!

It is high passed time that we do not have to say this again. It is not like this is not known. I am assuming, of course, that it has cropped up once again while I was away and we had to go through another crop of nasty posts where we had to go through all the reasons we don't like it and hear all the reasons they only mean it in fun and how it should not bother us. If not then I am just torqued at the moment over something else and I should just say YES, it is a sexist insult and I am done defending my reasons determining that a part of my body need not be used as an insult to someone else.

[lonestarnot]

271. Mooserider!

[MuseRider]

288. WOW! Hi there!

[LanternWaste]

98. Absolutely yes.

Absolutely yes. And I'd hazard that anyone thinking otherwise is either being disingenuous (whether they realize it or not), or else merely an idiot let loose from a village.

[dairydog91]

100. Yes. I prefer the non-sexist "asshole".

[el_bryanto]

101. It is sexist. So is calling someone a dick.

You are taking a gender's perceived problems and boiling them down to a body part. Sexist.

Of course calling someone a Dick is probably less bad as Dicks, as it turns out, have quite a lot of power in our society.

Bryant

[redqueen]

102. Exactly. The power differential and lack of institutional and social oppression

based solely on one's sex makes all the difference in the world.

[arely staircase]

219. and yet they are both insults to men

eom

[galileoreloaded]

103. Not really, but I'm a dick. N/T

[Whisp]

104. yes. n/t

[Warren DeMontague]

106. It's sexist, lame, and also decidedly unimaginative. There are far better insults one can use, like

Bloviating Shitwit.

[redqueen]

116. How about 'pompous, ignorant, self-important, shit-stirring bucket of filth'?

It's a bit long, but it covers all the bases

[Warren DeMontague]

142. Yes, yes! Or "soul-sucking vortex of depressing, monotonous boring negativity, putrid essence

of the spot on the venn odor diagram where perpetually bland meets rotting garbage, tiresome repulsive repetitive humorless flogger of ridiculous gibberish"

...We're still talking about Ted Nugent, now, right?

[Apophis]

107. Absolutely.

[JoePhilly]

108. Insults are supposed to be Insulting.

I know that seems like an obvious statement, but I think its important when we discuss the appropriateness of ANY term that is used as an "insult".

Let's all STEP BACK.

Let's imagine that I really really want to INSULT you.

I've already decided that I'm going to INSULT you. I just need to decide HOW.

And so, I pick the word, or phrase, that I think will upset YOU the most. In other words, the word used is not important, except to the extent that it angers the target.

A Homophobe hates to be called GAY.
A right wing tough guy will hate to be called a PUSSY.

I'm not saying it a great idea to use these terms, its not ... but ... I do think some use them specifically because they know the target will be angered.

Which is usually the POINT of an insult.

[seabeyond]

115. so cause you really really want to insult be homophobic or sexist. hmmm, nt

[JoePhilly]

196. Well, yes.

If your goal is to insult a specific person, you select the term that will anger that person the most.

Sexist, Homophobic, racist, so on.

Now, we could discuss whether its nice to INSULT people.

But my point is more simple ... once you decide to be insulting, you intentionally select the term that will anger your target the most.

btw ... I do not generally support being insulting.

[apocalypsehow]

109. I was either Juror #2 or #3:

AUTOMATED MESSAGE: Results of your Jury Service

Mail Message
At Tue Feb 12, 2013, 03:59 PM an alert was sent on the following post:

Yup - he ain't on our side
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=397382

REASON FOR ALERT:

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate. (See <a href="http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=aboutus#communitystandards" target="_blank">Community Standards</a>.)

ALERTER'S COMMENTS:

"pussies" is sexist language that should not be allowed at DU. Please hide; we may have debates about certain words here but I think this one should be pretty clear cut.

JURY RESULTS

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Tue Feb 12, 2013, 04:07 PM, and the Jury voted 5-1 to HIDE IT.

Juror #1 voted to HIDE IT and said: Broad brushing any religious organization is also unacceptable.

Also, agree with the alerter. 'Pussies' is just a dumbass thing to call anything but a cat.
Juror #2 voted to HIDE IT and said: No explanation given
Juror #3 voted to HIDE IT and said: No explanation given
Juror #4 voted to HIDE IT and said: The entire post is peppered with bigotry.
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: This one was tough. I resorted to checking the Community standards before I opted to vote to Leave It Alone. "Should not be allowed," is different than "Shall not be allowed." If the admins wish to ban sexist language, I hope they will update the community standards to remove any doubt.
Juror #6 voted to HIDE IT and said: I'm reluctant to hide (because truth is a defense, to some extent) but the language does need some cleanup. Poster is relatively new and may be unaware of DU's norms.

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

So there you have my position on the matter.

[seabeyond]

118. juror 5... if adminstration would only add it to tos. nt

[apocalypsehow]

165. +1. I agree. n/t.

[lynne]

112. No more than when someone is called a "dick" -

- both are insults but I don't feel that either is particularly sexist.

[Swamp Lover]

145. Both are perfectly viable insults without being sexist.

One can call a woman a dick and a man a pussy.

[seabeyond]

150. and then one can get their post hidden.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022374671#post109

[polly7]

117. No. nt.

[redqueen]

119. Shocking.

[seabeyond]

120. lol lol. nt

[polly7]

124. ya. da.

lol.

[polly7]

123. If you were only wanting one answer, why did you pose it as a question?

Pussy? I've never considered it in the context of being insulting using it as a woman's body part. And you can laugh and scoff at that all you like.


Authoritarian, black and white thinkers - have difficulty understanding abstract or creative concepts and may be suspicious of people who think unconventionally. Authoritarian types often expect too much from others and may use deceitful tactics or aggressive behavior to get what they want.
According to Adorno's theory, the elements of the Authoritarian personality type are:
Blind allegiance to conventional beliefs about right and wrong
Respect for submission to acknowledged authority
Belief in aggression toward those who do not subscribe to conventional thinking, or who are different
A negative view of people in general - i.e. the belief that people would all lie, cheat or steal if given the opportunity
A need for strong leadership which displays uncompromising power
A belief in simple answers and polemics - i.e. The media controls us all or The source of all our problems is the loss of morals these days.
Resistance to creative, dangerous ideas. A black and white worldview.
A tendency to project one's own feelings of inadequacy, rage and fear onto a scapegoated group
A preoccupation with violence and sex.

[sufrommich]

131. Using the word "pussy" as a derogatory term

for someone considered weak or ineffectual is not the sign of someone who understands " abstract or creative concepts". It's the sign of someone who can't express themselves above the level of a 14 year old.

[polly7]

140. See, there ya go. That's just what I was thinking of.

I don't insist my opinion of the word is the right one and insult people for not seeing it my way. It's that head-clubbing thing until you get it right! ... it just doesn't work on me.

Sorta like *toilet. I found that completely disgusting, debasing and horrible. Others found it perfectly acceptable. Life is fucking strange sometimes, no??

[seabeyond]

152. or sorta holding onto an over year long grudge which makes it petty. nt

[polly7]

157. I am??

Last edited Thu Feb 14, 2013, 09:07 PM - Edit history (1)

No, just really scratching my head at being insulted over my opinion on what I see as a harmless word ........ vs. your own support for the word *toilet. Which was allowed to remain. Care to address that?

The OP asked a question. I stated my opinion, which was simply, no. Who's carrying the grudge, hmmmmmm?????

But, if you're accusing anyone of 'pettiness', you should probably ask yourself why anyone would troll a protected forum for personal, sensitive information to pass around in pm's to hurt and slander that person because you didn't get your way on something. Ick.

[redqueen]

167. I did not mean to insult you.

I made a sarcastic reply, because I am aware of your opinion on this issue due to reading your posts on the issue in the past.

I did intend to be sarcastic, I didn't intend to be insulting. I'm sorry.

[pacalo]

316. Gotta give you this...

Sounds like she's not happy about people remembering some very embarrassing, inconvenient history, so I can understand the attempt to dismiss those with more than one brain cell of memory as holding a......grudge!1!

[redqueen]

156. Context

I'm not opposed to the word itself. When used as slang for vulva I like it. It is when it is used as an insult that I find it offensive.

As for that other word, yes, it is horrible, disgusting, foul, etc. It originated in the context of prostitution and porn. I did not use it as an insult. I used it thusly: 'men who do x view women as b******'. In that statement, am i calling women 'b******'? No.

It is logical to disagree with the premise, and say that no, men who do x are not viewing women as 'b*****'... It is not logical to pretend that *I* think of women that way.

The fact that people are more outraged about that singular use of the word than thoughtful about its actual meaning (in porn and prostitution) speaks volumes.

It is the producers of porn and the customers of prostitutes who coined that term. To direct outrage at the feminist who used it to make a point about the widespread objectification of women is the height of hypocrisy.

[polly7]

164. You were asked not to use it.

I think *toilet is one of the most disgusting, sickening terms I've ever heard ........ in ANY context. As did others. You were asked not to use it, instead ..... you still defend it. You laughed at me for being offended over it and insulted others for being the naughty word police. I posted a simple 'no' to your question here and got your typical insulting reply. Ironic, no??

[redqueen]

169. No. Because I'm clearly not "defending" the word.

What is actually ironic is that you do defend slurs which most feminists find misogynist, but you're still attacking me for simply using the word in a non insulting way.

And I haven't used it since. Unlike others, who feign outrage over it.

Again... attacking the feminist, ignoring the origin. Telling. So telling.

[polly7]

172. 'Feign outrage over it'.

Yeah ......... us naughty word police / six year olds just learning a new swear word. If you had any sensitivity toward women - feminists or not, you'd have apologized for it. Instead you chose to be insulting and STILL try your hardest to insinuate there's something wrong with those of us who objected to it. Yes, it is telling. Me, not falling over in a fucking faint over a word I've always likened to a scaredy cat, vs. you, the only person on this board to ever use and defend to the death a filthy degrading term. Very, very telling.

[redqueen]

174. Apologizing to people who defend some of the most commonly used misogynist slurs?

For daring to expose their precious eyes to a word they had managed to avoid, by not bothering to read much at all about the incredibly abusive, multi billion dollar porn industry?

Not a chance.

Do you think feminists who object to the word 'bitch' as an insult are also "falling over in a fucking faint over a word"?

[polly7]

175. What slurs do I use?

Put up or shut up.

[redqueen]

179. Where did I say you used any?

I would echo your "put up or shut up" grade-school crap, but your stubborn insistence on avoiding logic means I'll be bowing out.

Feel free to answer the question re: 'bitch' if you care to demonstrate a willingness to participate in an intellectually honest discussion.

[redqueen]

199. "Relationships"? Men joking about how they'd like to fuck Sarah Palin, except for

some snide remarks about her voice or political views, or whatever other bullshit... my being offended at the laughing and joking about the idea that it is perfectly acceptable for men to reduce women to objects to be fucked... If that's the kind of relationships you're referring to, then I fucking sure do have a horrible view of them.

I do think men who watch porn or buy sex think of women that way. Laugh all you want, apparently you're not overly concerned about objectification, so party on.

As for your view on the word 'bitch', I don't recall, but just as with this word, due to your minimization of issues you don't personally consider important, it wouldn't surprise me if you did take the 'shut up, word police' side in the past. I don't remember if you had, or I wouldnt have asked.

[polly7]

206. Well, here's where we'll never agree.

I don't see joking about wanting to have sex with someone as reducing that person to something filthy. Juvenile, crass ... yep. Filthy *toilets? No.

WTF are you talking about 'laugh all you like'? I've never discussed porn with you, but I believe grown, consenting adults have every right to do as they choose.

What issues have you seen me not consider important?

[sufrommich]

182. It's not any more of an insult to ask people to stop using it here

than any other insulting words. It's one of those words that should be filed under "Nugent talk",like "that's gay" or "lardass". It's not authoritarian to expect people to be able to post without using language that sound like schoolyard taunts.

[polly7]

194. You'll never see me using one of those terms or defend them.

A question was asked, I responded. I've honestly always taken it as a comparison to a scaredy cat and never even use it myself, but understand where others are coming from. Isn't it great we can all express our own honest opinion and not get slammed for it? Oh wait ....

[cherokeeprogressive]

122. Nope, but if someone calls me a vagina we're fightin'. n/t

[Scout]

125. yes, of course it is. n/t

[loyalsister]

126. Yes

I also think it's sexist when "dick, prick, etc" are used as insult. The implication that femaleness OR maleness are negative things is sexist.

[seabeyond]

158. except the male terms are their own body parts they love and dicks have always held the power

so not quite the same. though from here on out i will be hiding dicks and certainly pricks cause the men on du are offended.

[qazplm]

213. I guess I don't get the vigorous

rush to say d*cks/Pr*cks really isn't the same.

Ok, it's not equivalent, it's still not good, and it's still attacking based on gender.

Why not just say, yes, you are right, we shouldn't be using male body parts to insult either. Let's just avoid using any gender-based body parts as an insult/slur.

Instead, what we get are a kind of mocking, derisive not really a big deal response.

[seabeyond]

217. i do not think i have EVER used either of the terms either on du or real life. seems like more a man

uses on another man. i do nto often hear women use the terms.

[loyalsister]

216. I agree about that cultural aspect

I just try to be consistent on the literal specifics. It's one of the only ways to come close to convincing some.

[Warpy]

129. Yes, it's meant as a sexist insult

and I take it that way. It's offensive.

[Small Accumulates]

134. Yes. n/t

[Squinch]

138. Yes. It translates to, "you're weak, like someone with a vagina." It's sexist and obnoxious.

[one_voice]

144. Is it sexist if you use it...

equally against both sexes? Only asking cuz I call both men and women 'dicks'. I don't use the 'p' word except sometimes when I'm calling my cat. Yes, I actually call my cat that, sometimes I also call him 'cat' and occasionally by his name.

[OKNancy]

146. I looked up how the word came to mean a weakling

Weakness
The meaning "weak or cowardly person" has a separate etymology. Websters 1913 Revised Unabridged Dictionary lists this version of pussy as an alternate spelling of "pursy", an otherwise obsolete English word meaning "fat and short-breathed; fat, short, and thick; swelled with pampering ..."[1] The interpretation is often misconstrued, as it contains multiple meanings which some consider derogatory.[2] In fact, when pussy appears in the earlier 1828 edition of the dictionary, this definition is presented for the word, while the older pursy is simply offered as a "corrupt orthography".
Pursy (pronounced with a short u, and with the r slurred or silent) was in turn derived from an Old French word variously spelled pourcif, poulsif, poussif, meaning "to push, thrust, or heave". In this sense, it is cognate with the modern French verb pousser, also meaning "to push".
The word pussy can also be used in a derogatory sense to refer to a male who is not considered sufficiently masculine (see Gender role). When used in this sense, it carries the implication of being easily fatigued, weak or cowardly.
Men dominated by women (particularly their partners or spouses and at one time referred to as 'Hen-pecked') can be referred to as pussy-whipped (or simply whipped in slightly more polite society or media).

It's from wiki, but it sounds authentic: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pussy

[whistler162]

149. No but PETA gets ticked off!

[TeamPooka]

153. i didn't used but have learned better since and do believe that now.

so I do not use the term anymore

[redqueen]

171. Thanks. And despite the lack of a power imbalance or institutionalized or social oppression against

men on the basis of their sex, I still don't use male body parts as insults.

[RKP5637]

155. I always think of it that way. n/t

[MrSlayer]

159. Me? No.

It's a generic insult, a synonym for coward. When you hear someone called a dick or a dickhead do you perceive it as sexist? I'll bet not. And you shouldn't because it isn't.

[bemildred]

162. Quite. nt

[In_The_Wind]

163. Yes !

[GodlessBiker]

170. Yes, to the same extent calling someone a "dick" is sexist.

We should not use the body parts of either sex as insults.

[redqueen]

183. I agree that we shouldn't use either...

I am curious though to know your thoughts re: the ideas in post 92.

[LittleBlue]

176. I don't. It's just part of modern slang. Like d*uche or d*ck

Nothing wrong with using a d*uche or having a penis or an anus (a**hole), it is what it is. Sexual/excretory organs and sexual/excretory behaviors will be used as insults for whatever reason.

[gateley]

177. No. It's become so commonplace I think it lost all sexist connotation. I'm a woman, for the record

[lumberjack_jeff]

178. I don't use it in general speech, so I don't use it here.

I use "wuss" or "wimp" in the context in which that word is ordinarily used.

I feel a compulsion to give you the wrong answer just on principle, but if I'm honest, my avoidance of the word must suggest that I take offense at it.

[Rowdyboy]

180. I really don't see how it could possibly not be taken as sexist...and it lowers my opinion

Last edited Fri Feb 15, 2013, 02:18 AM - Edit history (1)

of the person who uses it just as much as "faggot", "retard", and even "n****r. But then haters gotta hate, apparently, and DU doesn't always call them on their bullshit.

[seabeyond]

184. does the same for me, and i agree iwth your post. nt

[arely staircase]

197. so if one calls ted nugent a pussy

that is the same as calling him a n***er?

[Rowdyboy]

222. Thery're both words that I choose not to use...One is racist, the other sexist and homophobic

There are many other extremely nasty things I can call someone without descending into racism, sexism and homophobia. Why should I be an ass with my words when a different word will convey exactly the same disdain without causing anyone to feel insulted? Why would I choose to be deliberately rude to my friends on the left?

[Ohio Joe]

225. Well said, I wish I could give that post a rec

[Rowdyboy]

231. It really doesn't take much effort to be insulting as hell and still not use those few words....

And its a shame so many people can't (or more likely don't want to) refrain from being bigots. But this is still my favorite spot on the intertubes.....

[arely staircase]

228. one is racist but the homophobic nature of the other is debatable

i have never perceived it as homophobic. feminists have a bit more of an argument that it is sexist. i have always thought of it as synonymous with coward. if a homophobe wants to insult a gay person he/she is not going to use "pussy." They are going to go straight for a version of f****t, which i do feel is akin to n****r.

[Rowdyboy]

235. Its a matter of opinion, I'll admit. I've perceived it as homophobic since the first time

my middle school principal's son kneed me between classes and called me one. To me, its not cool. I can understand that you don't share my history-I'm just saying I personally find it offensive.

[arely staircase]

248. our history probably isn't as different as you assume

though never specifically kneed and called that word. i can tell you this. i have never heard skinheads yell "pussy" while unfortunately i have heard "faggots" and "dykes" hurled at me and my friends. never experienced violence, but harrassed going into clubs in the early 90s, yes. i had friends who were once assaulted near same houston clubs.

but yes, to a large extent, what words mean to one may be different than to others based on your experience. your principal's son didn't become a houston skinhead in around 91-94, did he?

[Rowdyboy]

262. Actually, its probably more a generational thing. I was in middle school in 1969

in small town Mississippi.

[bettyellen]

249. many sexist slurs against women are also used against gay men to imply they're feminine... and not

in a good way.

[arely staircase]

250. such as?

"pussy" is specifically used against men, i think the feminist critique of it has some validity. but it is not a "slur" against women per se. bitch and c*** are slurs against women. i have never heard the latter used against a man to imply he is feminine, and i have only heard gay men called bitch by other gay men.

[arely staircase]

187. no, otherwise i wouldn't use it.

eom

[BainsBane]

188. yes

[Solly Mack]

190. Yes

[Algebra Palin]

193. not really.

i think it's a bastardisation of pursy.
meh. most people say, bitch, anyway.

[Sienna86]

198. Yes. nt

[s-cubed]

200. YES nt

[ZombieHorde]

202. Yes, but I don't think that is always the intent. nt

[tblue]

203. Doesn't bother me but I won't use it out of respect for those it does bother.

I'm a woman but I don't take that word as anything that has anything to do with me as a person or as a woman. It's an ugly word that's tasteless and cutting. But I don't get too incensed by it because I guess I'm fresh out of outrage. I am so tired of being mad and a victim, so I'm choosing not to see myself that way for once.

[myrna minx]

204. Yes.

[edbermac]

205. Mrs Slocombe said it all the time.

[trublu992]

207. When I was younger I used the word myself now that I'm older yes its the epitome of sexiest...

Whats weak about female genitalia?

[Xithras]

218. It can be. Depends on context.

Pussy is one of those funny words that is "acceptable" or "unacceptable" depending on how it's used. Pussy has multiple origins, some of which are offensive, and some aren't.

If you call someone a "pussy" meaning "weakling", then it's sexist. The use of "pussy" to describe a weakling comes from the same source as calling a man a "woman" or a "little girl". It suggests that women are inferior and, by proxy, that men who are similar to women are inferior. It's a term that demeans women and is sexist.

If someone is called a "pussy" because they're "cowardly", then no sexism is involved. The use of pussy to refer to cowards comes from a reference to feline cats, which typically run away when spooked and usually only fight when cornered. It's the same insult as calling someone a "fraidy cat". Because that insult doesn't reference women, it can't be sexist by definition.

Because "pussy" can refer to either a female body part or a common house cat, the sexism of a pussy insult depends on which one the particular insult is referring to.

[Flying Squirrel]

220. Well, let's try the ol' "reverse the situation" test on it....

I recently referred to Harry Reid as "a putz." Some might go even further and refer to him as "a pussy."

So, let's say we were talking about Nancy Pelosi instead, and referring to her refusal to put impeachment on the table.

Obviously nobody's gonna call her a "pussy" for it. So we're not talking about pussycats. The question is, is there an equivalent term to describe a woman whom a person feels is lacking in spine? One which refers to male genitalia?

"Nancy Pelosi is a ________" ...

I don't think so.

Objection to the term is upheld IMO.

[seabeyond]

229. very good, valid and logical response. hadnt even thought of it like that but a clear reason it is

used in the manner so many of us know it is used.

thank you

[quinnox]

221. No I don't n/t

[bettyellen]

223. yep.

[rrneck]

234. No. I perceive it as vulgar. nt

[Gormy Cuss]

239. Sexist always. n/t

[bluedigger]

247. Generally not.

Context is all, of course.

[RBInMaine]

252. When the word "dick" or "dickhead" is used as an insult, do you perceive THAT as sexist too?

[ChazII]

254. Yes.

It is sad when even 3rd graders go into a laughing hysteria when ever they hear the word.

[tavernier]

256. No. I consider the source.

I've never had a real man use this word as an insult, so it's never been a problem. I've only heard it used on tv by some people who think they are comedians. Oddly, they are no longer on the air, but I suppose they open in a strip joint in the outskirts of some town that starts with the letter F.

[forestpath]

264. I do too.

[jannyk]

265. No, but I'm English...

...there you will hear thousands crying "here puss, come on puss and where's my pussy.." into the dark. That's all it means to me - I use it frequently.

Sticks and Stones will break my bones but Names can never hurt me.

[MadHound]

266. Umm, it is an insult, it is meant to be offending,

Insults are meant to offend, demean, belittle and degrade people, that is their purpose. Trying to come up with proper PC insults is futile, since insults, by their very nature, are meant to be offending.

Your best bet is just try not to offend anybody. That is, after all, the civilized thing to do. Sadly, many people simply aren't.

[Gemini Cat]

269. I don't view the word any more or any less sexist

Last edited Fri Feb 15, 2013, 12:30 PM - Edit history (1)

than 'prick' or 'dick'. What's wrong with having either male or female genitals, and why would someone use any of these words as an insult?

[smackd]

272. no

[easttexaslefty]

275. No. Nor do I concide calling someone

a dick, sexist. Rude maybe.

[Deep13]

276. Hmmm. Is a gendered insult that implies inferiority sexist? EDIT

I dunno.

edit:
Wow, I just read some of the other posts.

We've got a bunch of thickies around here.

[redqueen]

286. Incredible, isn't it? When the TOS was watered down, it set the stage for things to get worse.

Now we have people swearing that false analogies ('what about 'dick'?) make all the sense in the world.

Sigh.

[seabeyond]

289. on top of that, since tos does not say no sexism, sexism is allowed. and there you go. nt

[redqueen]

291. Yep. And there went my star. nt

[Gormy Cuss]

300. Right, because as we all know "bigotry...based on gender.." doesn't mean sexism

[seabeyond]

303. seems to be the thing lately. i have seen a couple men say it and a couple on jury.

but, ya... bigotry toward gender is pretty much it.

i really really really which administration would give us just this one little carrot. lol

[Gormy Cuss]

304. Seems to be a lot of spurious defenses of word usage lately.

On sexism, it's sad that we even had to ask admin to consider clarifying the TOS because of this bizarre insistence that those words don't cover it. It's unfortunate that our request fell on deaf ears.

[seabeyond]

305. yes. it really is. there is still tweaking going on. so, i still have hope. nt

[sigmasix]

279. context

context is sometimes more important than the word when it comes to questions like this. Of course one of the contexts to consider is the larger society and history of the use of the word in specific ways. Complicating it further is the need to recognize humor and the use of the impact of the word in artistic statements and cultural critisism. The nice thing about words is the fact that they very rarely are responsible for immediate harm, as they are only marks on paper or sounds emerging from our face holes. my suspicion is that sexism has more to do with intention, than it does with sounds or arrangements of letters on paper.

[Zambero]

280. Only a real 'dickhead' would even pose that question

Actually until now I hadn't ever considered it ('pussy') sexist but it could certainly be construed as such. My choice of reply title would be an example of insulting someone with the use of a displaced and creatively re-located "male member" as the key descriptive term. Hadn't considered that term sexist either, but I suppose it would work both ways.

[lbrtbell]

282. Who cares?

If someone were to call me a pussy, there's far more for me to worry about than whether it's sexist. (And I say this, as a woman.) For instance....

Am I being pressured into doing something stupidly dangerous? Will I cave in to that pressure, risking injuring myself?

Or is the person calling me this doing so in a threatening manner? Do I need to engage in self-defense?

Other things to consider...is it sexist against men if someone uses insults such as d*ck (like Cheney), pr*ck, d*ckhead, get some cajones, nut up, ball up, pretend you have some balls, d*ckhead, or whatever?

In short, it isn't about sexism. It's about the age-old practice of using vulgar words as insults. Sh*thead, p*ssface, sh*t for brains, etc.

Where sexism is concerned, I worry a lot more about things that actually matter, such as attitudes toward rape, pay inequality, and reproductive rights.

[Zorra]

283. Of course. Every time it is used to insult an individual, it also insults every woman, everywhere.

Recommend.

[wildeyed]

285. Yes.

But the B word doesn't bother me, go figure.

[seabeyond]

290. it does not bother me either. but, i get that it is sexist. i get that it is used to denigrate

women. and i get that allowing any sexism on du just allows a whole lot of sexism on du.

[wildeyed]

297. True, plus I believe in common courtesy.

Since it came to my attention that some people are offended by it, I choose not to use it, regardless of my personal feelings.

[Fire Walk With Me]

294. Yes. n/t

[NCTraveler]

296. Yes. No shades of gray on this one. nt.

[alarimer]

301. Yes and any of the variations

Even the way the Brits use them.

[ismnotwasm]

306. Sexist

And heterosexist when directed toward a male.