Modern Misogyny

[Patroklos]

I don't agree. This isn't how the English language works, IMO.

Calling a bloke the "c" word is extremely frequent. And is a register above (or below depending on your pov) calling a man the "d" word. The gender specific ~equivalent of the "d" word is the "b" word. (This is bizarre. I'd be just as happy typing the actual words. To me they really are just words. Though the intent behind them is what concerns us here.)

Calling a woman the "c" word is extremely unusual and connotes the sexist mindset. Only one step below referring to a woman as "it". A practice quite common in certain circles intra-males. Indicating the complete objectivification of women.

I feel you, but disagree. The "c" word has no special meaning, in some circles I have run in its a common insult thrown about casually and in others it is the end all be all of insults. Same with the "t" word.

The level of insult is irrelevant though, its the meaning. When someone uses the "d" word it is generally in regards to someone displaying behavior associated with super male traits. Overly aggressive, arrogant, selfish, etc. You are literally calling a guy by his private parts and it is generally still a male only insult. I can't really say the same thing for the "c" word, there isn't any sex specific behavior associated with it, its just am unpleasant thing to call someone. If you don't see the "d" word as sexist, you are probably a hypocrite if you consider the other one to be.

As you said the "b" carries genders specific stereotype connotations too (nagging, emotional, irrational, etc.) so is far more indicative of sexist feelings. The problem is that this word has long lost its gender specificness and is used universally. So if someone is displaying any of those steriotypical behaviors it is a valid descriptive word recognized by everyone male or female, used by male or females. I think it can still be used non generally to be overty sexist though. As in "you are just a 'b'" instead of say "stop acting like a 'b'"

Of course you can personally it be using to to convey whatever you want, or you can interpret it being used any way you want. That doesn't mean your interpretation is going to translate to others. Look at how meaningless the "f" word is these days.

And yes, I wish we could use vulgar words if the context is for discussion's sake only. Boards require simple to apply and enforce rules though.

Anyway, on another tack, notice how often she says "I am offended by...". Is she right to be offended? Has she the right to be offended?

Yes. Yes. That has no bearing on whether I should care about her choices in that regard either way.

Is the leader of the opposition simply exercising his freedom of speech in calling the PM of Australia a " witch", etc?

Yes. It is still extremely rude and inappropriate if done outside of a private setting.

 

[classical_hero]

There's no easy way to say this guys: Australian accents are just *cringe*

Many Australian s find her voice annoying. Most of us don't speak like that at all.

 

[Borachio]

Come now. A lot of you do speak a lot like that.

 

[emzie]

Come now. A lot of you do speak a lot like that.

mmhmm

Classical Hero, from now when I read your words, I will hear Jilla Gillard reading them.

 

[holy king]

Calling a bloke the "c" word is extremely frequent.

i think it's a british thing.

 

[Leoreth]

There's no easy way to say this guys: Australian accents are just *cringe*

I genuinely like it. What's not to like about terms like "laider of the oppozeeshn"?

Classical Hero, from now when I read your words, I will hear Jilla Gillard reading them.

 

[NinjaCow64]

Emphatically agree! But can someone explain the reference to Gillard's father?

The day before the speech, a far right talkback radio host called Alan Jones said that Gillard's recently deceased father died of shame because she lied about her policies. Everyone denounced him for the comments, but that didn't stop Tony Abbot saying how the government was going to die of shame, an obvious reference Jones's awful comments.

 

[classical_hero]

The day before the speech, a far right talkback radio host called Alan Jones said that Gillard's recently deceased father died of shame because she lied about her policies. Everyone denounced him for the comments, but that didn't stop Tony Abbot saying how the government was going to die of shame, an obvious reference Jones's awful comments.

He said that weeks before.

@Contre,

 

[Glassfan]

The day before the speech, a far right talkback radio host called Alan Jones said that Gillard's recently deceased father died of shame because she lied about her policies. Everyone denounced him for the comments, but that didn't stop Tony Abbot saying how the government was going to die of shame, an obvious reference Jones's awful comments.

Thanks for the 411. It's heartwarming to learn that America doesn't have a monopoly on talk radio scumbags.

Is it safe to assume c_h is anti-Gillard? Yet he makes a valid point. The speech against the opposition leader's sexism was apparently intended to gloss over the sexism of her own ally, the Speaker of the House.

And when will public figures realize that social media is not confidential?

 

[azzaman333]

There's no easy way to say this guys: Australian accents are just *cringe*

I don't think there's anyone on the planet who doesn't cringe at Gillard's accent.


Also, I'm surprised anyone listens to anything anyone says in parliament, let alone takes it seriously. They just insult and yell at each other the whole time, trying to make the other parties look worse than them.

 

[Glassfan]

I don't think there's anyone on the planet who doesn't cringe at Gillard's accent.

After years of watching the zany antics of Steve Irwin, Gillard doesn't sound half ba... Crikey! There's a snake!!!

 

[Tee Kay]

Is it safe to assume c_h is anti-Gillard? Yet he makes a valid point. The speech against the opposition leader's sexism was apparently intended to gloss over the sexism of her own ally, the Speaker of the House.

It was intended to point out the hypocrisy of the opposition leader.

The (now-former) Speaker was originally from the Liberal Party, by the way.

 

[kochman]

I don't agree. This isn't how the English language works, IMO.

Calling a bloke the "c" word is extremely frequent. And is a register above (or below depending on your pov) calling a man the "d" word. The gender specific ~equivalent of the "d" word is the "b" word. (This is bizarre. I'd be just as happy typing the actual words. To me they really are just words. Though the intent behind them is what concerns us here.)

Calling a woman the "c" word is extremely unusual and connotes the sexist mindset. Only one step below referring to a woman as "it". A practice quite common in certain circles intra-males. Indicating the complete objectivification of women.


Anyway, on another tack, notice how often she says "I am offended by...". Is she right to be offended? Has she the right to be offended?

Is the leader of the opposition simply exercising his freedom of speech in calling the PM of Australia a " witch", etc?

That's it. From now on, I'm calling women dicks as an insult.

 

[bhsup]

I have never, in my life, heard a guy called by the "c" word. Not once.

 

[Tee Kay]

I have never, in my life, heard a guy called by the "c" word. Not once.

It's not uncommon in my experience. Then again, I pal around with Australians.

 

[NinjaCow64]

It's not uncommon in my experience. Then again, I pal around with Australians.

Yeah, Australians use it all the time.

 

[Masada]

They do? You must move in unusual circles.

 

[emzie]

I've understood the word to have different meanings in Australian English. You guys toss it around a lot and use it as a modifier, both a good one and a bad one. Sorta like, "this is fing awesome / horrible"

To Americans, it's probably the last non-racist taboo word.

 

[Tee Kay]

I've understood the word to have different meanings in Australian English. You guys toss it around a lot and use it as a modifier, both a good one and a bad one. Sorta like, "this is fing awesome / horrible"

To Americans, it's probably the last non-racist taboo word.

The "c" word is also the "worst" word in Australian English. I've just heard it used, well, not unfrequently.

 

[Borachio]

It's a working class British male term of endearment, as well as an insult - depends on how you say it. Not to be used in front of women.