We're all guilty of using sexist phrases, but just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s okay. When you use these sexist phrases that everyone should stop saying, you subtly promote inequality and double standards for women. When you really put thought into the things you say, you’ll realize how harmful they truly can be.
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1. “like a Girl”
The phrase “like a girl” is hurtful to children in more ways than one. For little boys, it teaches them that girls are weak and less important than they are, which makes them more sexist. It also teaches girls that by being born a girl, they are already doing something wrong, and no matter how hard they try, their sex will always be the weaker sex. This sexist phrase is one you should stop saying regardless of who you are, but especially if you have a son.
2. “Asking for It”
Victim blaming needs to stop in order for rapists to be held accountable for their actions. While it takes more than just words to make a difference, taking out phrases like “She was asking for it” from your vocabulary will help you be more empathetic toward victims. Because the whole idea behind rape is that it’s sex without someone “asking for it”, and the only person at fault is the rapist, whether it’s a man or a woman.
Frequently asked questions
3. “Man up”
Like many sexist phrases, “man up” is a double-edged sword. This phrase associates strength with masculinity, which, while it is partially true, is ultimately harmful to both boys and girls. If girls think that only men have to be strong, they will be less likely to learn how to defend themselves and take care of themselves. On the other hand, boys will grow up thinking they have to hold in their emotions and always appear strong even when they’re broken inside, which is very harmful to their mental health.
4. “Slut”
“Slut” is probably my least favorite word on this list, because it’s the epitome of a double standard. By calling sexually active women “sluts”, you’re basically saying that she is less entitled than a man to exercise sexual freedom, because you would never call a man a slut. This word comes from the archaic belief that a woman’s worth is found only in her virginity, and it’s time to retire that belief.
5. “Prude”
The word “prude” proves that a woman just can’t win, because if she has sex she’s a slut, if she doesn’t then she’s a prude. If you support a woman’s right to control her own body, you should expel “slut” and “prude” from your vocabulary and not judge a woman’s character by the number of men she’s slept with.
6. “Grow a Pair”
This one is similar to “man up”, but to me it’s even more ironic. If anything, we should say “Grow a vagina” which bleeds every month and pushes people into the world; that’s a symbol of strength! But ultimately, we need to adapt our language to reflect the idea that emotional stability and internal strength are independent of gender.
7. “Wearing the Pants”
If you ask a man “Who’s wearing the pants in your marriage?” you immediately emasculate him. Why? Because men are traditionally supposed to be the supporters and providers in a relationship, and, if the woman provides, she is taking something away from him. But like “sluts” and “prudes”, who “wears the pants” is none of anyone’s business except the people involved. If anything, when a woman provides for her family, you should support her, not criticize her relationship.
Feminism has taken women a long way since the start of the 20th century, but there’s still a long way to go. We can’t all be CEO’s, presidents, or members of Parliament, but we all can change the way we speak. Let's all work to slowly make our world less sexist by eradicating these harmful phrases from your vocabulary. What other phrases do you think we should get rid of for good?
Comments
Kenya: Loved the article, very needed. Too bad some woman still don't understand what you're trying to say.
b: Raqcity, most people are called sluts as an insult to what they wear or say, it doesn't have anything to do with their sex life most of the time, it's a term used to bully. As for not being offended, well as a 36yr old I could care less if I'm called it, but what about a 13 yr old girl that just bought a pretty new skirt to wear but the mean girls pick on her?
Cici: @Misty I don't think about another woman's vagina. But come on...I just saw a article on how a little girl, maybe around 15 16, slept with over a 100 men, and soon to find out she had catch something from that. Actually they think her family could possibly be infected as well. Is that how you want young girls to be? Not just young but older too. Because people are not stating the truth and voicing their opinion, it's causing these women to act wild. We should make it our business to educate each other. If we don't, men sure as HELL won't help. And I had already said It was none of my business. But I couldn't have a friend who would put herself that low. Sorry...can't do it. And it's not on ignorance it's how I was raised and brought up.
Misty: @Cici my question for you ... Why would you care what another woman does with her vagina? It's not like she is borrowing yours and putting miles on it. That is what is wrong with this world, people think they can dictate how others love their life. I'm not saying it's right , I'm bit saying it's wrong. It's just none of my business how other people live the life they are given. Judge all you want, while people keeping going and continue to live their life's. What a waste of time.
Carrie: #6, I agree that we should say "grow a vagina"
raqcity: B, I get where you're coming from but I think that's just life people are going to call each other names so it's more important that people stop getting so offended by words and try to change the double standard instead. And can you say that you are still even affected by any name that some mean girl called you when you were a teenager?
Cecilia: this is a bit dramatic ...
Cici: Head.
Cheryl: And misty i don't condone bullying any one.. I don't think any one here would use that word for bullying theres other ways to use it
Alyx: @Cici what difference does it make? Do you honestly see a different person if she slept with one verus 100 men? Women in committed relationships average 3-7 times a week. So really, the person in the relationship is more of a "slut" then the person sleeping with strangers however many times. It's their body, its not your body. Just like how that lady down the streets haircut is not your business, what or rather who she puts in her vagina has nothing to do with you, nor the kind of person she is. As long as they are educated on sexually transmitted diseases, they know what they might catch, and that's their risk. Just like it's your risk whether or not to use the public toilet seat. You know you could get sick, but that's a risk you take. The women who have confidence to be sexually active even without a relationship, can be so much more independant and have higher self esteem anf self worth than those who stick to one person their whole lives. Of course when they're hurting themselves and being unsafe about it or doing it for others rather than themselves. But it's not right to call either of them a slut. Men do the same thing and don't suffer public ridicule.
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