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
Nikki: How about lets not say "grow a vagina" or "grow a pair" bcus it sounds unbecoming. Also it doesnt put mental anguish on a boy to be told "man up". It shouldnt, at least, since he is infact a male. And as for being called a slut, its wrong that women now feel like they can just throw themseves at anyone and anythig and its more degrading as a women to be like that than to be a "prude" as you say.
Harlequin: Ok so there are some more important things than sexism going on right now. Have ya watched the news?
Andi: Do people still say these things?
Cici: And that man touches your daughter. Or one of them. Your telling me your not going to judge him!? Is that it? And women that you just describe, we as women need to help them out. Because we dont make it our business they become f----- up and hate themselves. And @Alyx like I said to her. At the end of the dsy its still my body,my opinios,and my beliefs. Judging is the way of life and you or anyone elscan NOT stop that
Cheryl: Yes because this one topic is my whole life lmao
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?
heather: we all have our own individual lives. what you do with the life your given is completely up to you. you will make decisions and only you can judge your decision whether it was the right one or not. but we all make mistakes and we all have regrets but they will only make you stronger. everyone has their own opinions and perspectives in life. no one is perfect. and if we are talking about judging we should not judge anyone until you have walked in their shoes. people do things only they understand the reasons for doing so. live your life. and judge your own life. let everyone else do the same for themselves. there is no point in arguing over this topic because everyone has their own opinion and it's okay to not agree!
Jessica: Bless you OP and this post
Misty: To all you young girls who read this app.. I'm not saying it's ok to sleep around. If you were my daughter, I would tell you to wait till you are an adult because sex comes with adult feelings and there are so many std's out there that you can't even get rid of. It's not worth it. My point here is when you see a girl being bullied at school and called a "slut" , don't be quick to follow others and bully. You don't know what this girl has been through. A lot of girls and women are being called sluts who have never even had sex and others are jealous of her or they just don't like her and use this word freely. Don't judge people period. None of us should judge others, it's just wrong in many ways.
peony: People say it all the time but we do have to rember that sexist abuse will always exist sadly
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