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
Misty: @Cici lord help me... You are confusing. You first say that it's ok to judge people. Your next line you talk about young girls being abused. Do you not understand that some women who are promiscuous have been abused as a child? But you are ok with "judging". It's like you came full circle and don't even understand your own view. I am in my early 40s and I have 4 girls 24,20,18 & 16. Trust me I have taught my girls about sex, the risk and I have GREAT girls. I have also taught my girls never to judge others & name calling is just wrong. My girls did and do just fine in school & college just fine with the values I have drilled in their head. So let's go by what you are saying. Let's say a young women is molested, goes to school and is bullied on top of it, becomes a grown woman and sleeps around. You are telling me it is ok to judge her. Read your own words lady, it's exactly what you said. These EXACTLY are the reasons we don't judge because NONE of us know what another person has been through. Off of that subject... any responsible, adult woman who uses protection and chooses to sleep with multiply men ( cause men do it) has every right. It's none of your business Cici. Don't get wrapped up in others vagina. If a women doesn't use protection and gets a std, it's still not my problem and ALL OF US live with our OWN decisions and mistakes. If you have a friend that is " out of control " and not being safe... hell ya talk to your girl, but you are gonna judge her too? Nah.... Until you can walk on water, leave the judging to God... Not Cici
Isabella: @Misty exactly! I put up with bullying all throughout school and couldn't care less if anyone wanted to have a go at me now - don't have time and frankly, I couldn't care less!
Cheryl: Yes because this one topic is my whole life lmao
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
Andi: Do people still say these things?
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
Carrie: #6, I agree that we should say "grow a vagina"
Emma: Overall, we need to stop being judgmental.
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" !
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.
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