The Big Bad B Word

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The B word is of course b***h. Hale_bopp provides an excellent example of its usage:

b***h is a word carrying certain heavy emotional connotations. Broadly speaking, a b***h is a woman who the speaker (or writer in this case) does not like or who has done something the speaker does not agree with. A b***h is perceived as having arrogated authority, having overstepped the unwritten social norms, by acting against accepted standards of tact and decency (e.g., by bluntly expressing her opinion or by behaving obnoxiously), fairness and equality (e.g., by cutting in line or by taking without asking), and politeness and respect (e.g., by flippantly denying the authority or social status of another or by using crass or unbecoming language). Underlying all this is the notion that the b***h could act otherwise but chooses not to do so; the b***h doesn't care. An even more obscene (and therefore insulting) word to use is c**t. The approximate male equivalent is the jerk or as*hole.

Some women who try to overcome gender bias are labeled as b*****s because in so doing they are violating generally accepted social norms. Thus the sociolinguistic ramifications of this word are quite serious: b***h lumps unchecked selfishness and antagonism with assertiveness and equality seeking. The implicit message carried by this word is that women are inferior to men and that they should know their place.

In summary, many women feel strongly about the words b***h and c**t, making them women's issues. Language, directly and indirectly, reflects our attitudes and biases. Are you a b***h? Do you know any b*****s? What do you think of b*****s? What do you think of the word b***h?

We should all try to avoid using that word.

Tim

yeah.

Maybe it's getting to the point now where we need to have an absolutely explicit set of rules as to what wording is and is not acceptable on the site as this issue seems to come up quite often.

On the other hand, what is the point in the site if we can't use it to express ourselves freely?

You guys are missing the point. What does this word mean to you? Move beyond your visceral reactions and think about it.

When thee gets home to thy kennel tonight, I hope thy mother bites thee.

From what I can gather of hale_bopp I don't think she would appreciate this instance of you quoting her.

Exactly, every individual will have a different personal definition or usage for a word. How long ago was it that some words were censored on television, whereas now they aren't? Meanings of words change, as do the taboos associated with them.

Don't be afraid of words. Be concerned about them being used in a way that is purely meant to hurt others.

Well, she badmouthed another member with the B-word for no particular reason which justifies(in my opinion) having that example in this thread.
I think the popularity contests are pretty NT-ish myself too, but lets keep that discussion in that topic and not hijack the thread.

Unfortunately I agree with maldoror, I really think a lot of people around wrongplanet are not Asperger at all. The fact is AS is a behavioural diagnosis, and as a behavioural diagnosis it's subject to wide margins of error.

I do believe that people that there are people who think they have AS but do not, it's just a side effect of shyness, fear/anxiety or cultural upbringing and lack of social experience. The real people with AS are the ones with severe relationship problems and job difficulties, that's my big red flag as to who has AS or not. the "Milder" versions of AS IMHO are by and large mostly BS. ANYONE could have "aspergers" if you looked hard enough and made the diagnostic criteria wide enough.

Well, I'm going to let her speak for herself but I still think you are wrong.

Taken from elsewhere...this says it all for me...

"When I stand up for myself and my beliefs, they call me a b***h.

When I stand up for those I love, they call me a b***h.

When I speak my mind, think my own thoughts or do things my own way, they
call me a b***h.

Being a b***h means I won't compromise what's in my heart. It means I live my life MY way. It means I won't allow anyone to step on me.

When I refuse to tolerate injustice and speak against it, I am defined as
a b***h.


The same thing happens when I take time for myself instead of being
everyone's maid, or when I act a little selfish.

It means I have the courage and strength to allow myself to be who I
truly am and won't become anyone else's idea of what they think I
"should" be.

I am outspoken, opinionated and determined. I want what I want and there
is nothing wrong with that!

So try to stomp on me, try to douse my inner flame, try to squash every

ounce of beauty I hold within me. You won't succeed.

And if that makes me a b***h, so be it. I embrace the title and am proud
to bear it.

B - Babe
I - In
T - Total
C - Control of
H - Herself

I have been called a b***h, and far worse. that is what I know of. More importantly, I would strongly suppose that I - an aspie - have been called other things more near to my identity; things that would hurt me if I knew.

But, there it is, and there are all those who would spout. Let 'em. I can handle it.

b***h is a gender specific insult. so is fat cow, dumb blonde, slut, whore. Males are rarely called that. Are there any male gender specific insults?

Any gender can even be a misogynist. So what is the deal with b***h?

I think I will discontinue using b***h in my vocabulary. A cranky person is just that and I hate the same behaviour in a male. thanks.

1. Why are all these men (neanthumain inlcuded) posting in the Women's Discussion?
2. I'd rather be called a b***h than be accused by someone on the spectrum of not being autistic enough
3. I don't think HaleBopp gives a rat's ass about this discussion.

Here's the deal with any name... You have to have a certain modicum of respect for the person who says it in order to care.