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.
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.
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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.
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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?
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Comments
Zanna: I just made the mistake of saying "squealed like a girl" today. Ugh! Luckily, I was recounting my own story of slipping on the rocks at the tide pools. Next time I'll say " I squealed like a pig" !
Alyx: Raqcity, I can say that the names those mean girls say has extremely affected my life. I dropped out of 3 different high schools because I got called names everyday, including slut, which I was virgin then, and hadnt even kissed anyone yet. Words can hurt a lot, and we should be teaching people not to say them, not that the victims should learn to be less offended by them.
Cheryl: Yes because this one topic is my whole life lmao
raqcity: There's nothing wrong with the word slut. No one, male or female, should be praised for being recklessly promiscuous if they are being unsafe. People need to stop being so offended by words when the actual problem is the double standard itself. And I'm not saying people can't sleep with whoever or how many people they want I'm saying that some people are called sluts because they are reckless and endanger other people's health
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.
Cici: Lol I could care less about the names.And oh my goodness stop with the 'We cant judge others' or 'We need to stop judging others'… Without Judging in this world this world would be a mess. Judging is okay. If that person doesn't want friends that sleep around like a whore then thats them. It doesnt make them less of a person. Matter fact , it makes them honest. Most people isnt HONEST on things causing complications. And I agree with Olivia too. Sex is special… .why sleep with a bunch of men?Buuuuuuut at the same time it isnt none of my business.Bu t it doesnt mean im not saying it out loud I say iin my
Harlequin: Ok so there are some more important things than sexism going on right now. Have ya watched the news?
Misty: @Olivia I really wouldn't put that much time and effort in what other people do. Really I don't have the time or interest in what others do in bed. Lol I seriously would feel stupid even putting 10 seconds of thought into it and I am a married woman with kids. I'm sorry , other people's lives just don't interest me that much where I would stress it.
Megan: I LOVE when comedian Betty White said to have a vagina instead of a pair of balls because it can really take a pounding! Spitfire!
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.
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