“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,” is a common saying teaching kids from a young age that words have no lasting power.
Anyone who has felt singled out due to a slur knows the saying to be anything but true. Slurs come in all shapes and forms; there are slurs about sexual orientation, race and disability status but it is shocking that in 2013 some of the most potent insults are undeniably sexist.
Some common insults such as bitch, dick, slut and pussy all use gendered language. Perhaps the worst word in the English language describes female anatomy. Yes, sometimes the gendered insults are used in a seemingly joking manner, but the insults still carry the potential to harm in some way, even when the intent is innocent.
Habits are easy to form and in some cases one might not even be aware of the hidden insult behind certain words. “That’s so gay” and “that’s retarded” are becoming increasingly rare, but dick, asshole and bitch still are popular.
The blog “finally feminism101” makes the rule that you can only use a term ‘if you are one or have one.’ Following the logic of the blog, I can freely call myself a bitch or pussy because I am female, but dick should be off limits. This logic would cut down on people using body parts for the opposite gender as an insult and the use of homophobic and racial slurs, but it would still give certain words negative power.
Reclaiming the language is about embracing the insult and taking away its power. When I call myself a bitch it means that the word is no longer an insult, and under my own personal definition. Instead, it means a strong powerful woman, not a man hater or a ruthless tyrant. The goal is for the word to lose its negative connotation but the process is long. It is hard to tell if someone is using a certain term in a positive way, or if they mean it in a harmful fashion. The best solution would be “if in doubt leave it out.”
Using offensive language is a sign of a limited vocabulary. It is easy to shout out offensive insults when you’re mad because they require no thought. They are simple, easy to remember words that provoke responses from the listeners. Instead of stooping to words that reinforce stereotypes and degrade other people, be creative.
Don’t follow the common trend to use words such as bitch, dick, slut and pussy. If you truly feel the need to insult someone, follow Shakespeare’s example.
Shakespeare made up words for his insults, but the point comes across loud and clear. You don’t have degrade another human being, and yourself for that matter, by being offensive and unoriginal. True insults can be creative and contain no offensive words, but still allow for an outlet of frustration. Using offensive slurs damage other people and it also has repercussions for you and your reputation. Think before you speak. Are those really the best words you can come up with?
