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Original poster

Why does MN allow such sexist language?

107 replies

wordfactory · 21/06/2012 08:35

I've just read the Cherie Blair thread and I'm shocked at some of the sexist language.

Ugly pig. Sanctimonious bitch. Evil cow.

Why is this ok?

Why can we not use the 'n' word here on MN, but posters can use outright sexist langauage? And why do posters ignore it, just because it supports their case?

OP posts:
Beachcomber · 21/06/2012 18:32

Do you really want all content moderated in this way in case you might be shock, horror - offended?

No. Well I don't.

I don't want to read racist slurs, misogynistic insults, homophobic language, etc because they are wrong. They feed stereotypes, lower the lowest common denominator and are discriminatory.

The world is a nicer, better, fairer and richer place without them.

HotheadPaisan · 21/06/2012 17:00

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HotheadPaisan · 21/06/2012 16:56

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HotheadPaisan · 21/06/2012 16:55

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Aboutlastnight · 21/06/2012 16:06

I'm just expressing an opinion - if you are silenced by it well that's up to you really.

If you are concerned, take it up on the thread.

AbigailAdams · 21/06/2012 14:41

I for one don't appreciate being told what feminists should be focussing on Aboutlastnight. It is a silencing tactic.

We are also perfectly capable of focussing on more than one area of feminism.

And I do think that this is important. MN is a small representation of society, mainly women at that. Attitudes on here are reflective of society in general. Sexist, misogynistic comments are prevalent and unchallenged, just like society. Somebody up thread said wankstain had been posted 34 times since January. I wonder how many times bitch or cow or vindictive, manipulative, bossy, precious, ugly, high maintenance, hysterical and other words used to almost exclusively describe women and their actions/appearance are uttered in the same time period.

Aboutlastnight · 21/06/2012 14:31

As a feminist I think there are bigger fish to fry...

Original poster
wordfactory · 21/06/2012 13:54

I'm not asking for any moderation.

I simply asked the question. As a feminist.

OP posts:
Aboutlastnight · 21/06/2012 13:49

FGS

Do you really want all content moderated in this way in case you might be shock, horror - offended?

Why is everyone suddenly running to teacher, if you don't like it take it up on the thread.

sayanything · 21/06/2012 13:23

I agree OP, the vitriol and misogyny on both the CB thread and the Aung San Suu Kyi thread yesterday was made me Angry and Sad.

Hullygully · 21/06/2012 13:02

don't be daft, eats

I don't mind jokes!

Original poster
wordfactory · 21/06/2012 12:49

star if she had been chinese would you have called her a 'slanty eyed chink'?

I doubt it. Yet her views would have been equally obnoxious to you.

So why do you defend offensive language?

Really really struggling to understand this. If our daughters behave in a way someone doesn't like , how will we feel if their boss, or their husband, or their MIL calls them 'an ugly bitch' or whatever?

OP posts:
EatsBrainsAndLeaves · 21/06/2012 11:53

Hully - Sorry for my "joke". Wasn't funny at all

NoComet · 21/06/2012 11:28

OK to be non sexist she's a smug, spoilt, arrogant bird.

(birds are both male and femaleWink)

NoComet · 21/06/2012 11:23

Because as a SAH not yummy mummy I feel she is many of those things.
Just as her husband was a two faced lying bastard.

EatsBrainsAndLeaves · 21/06/2012 11:01

40 - 40 is young

MarthasHarbour · 21/06/2012 10:48

i had never heard the term 'wankstain' until this thread. i mustnt have read those 34 posts since January then Hmm

but then i am nearly 40 Shock

EatsBrainsAndLeaves · 21/06/2012 10:38

Hully - Yes it is. Although I am old too.

BIWI - I do think it is important to challenge it. Because seekrer is right, most women don't see it

seeker · 21/06/2012 10:37

Not forgetting "my mother is nearly 50- so I'm really uncomfortable about leaving my baby with her- she just won't have the energy to look after her properly"

Oh, and "Some horrid old bitch- she must have been about 60 touched my baby's cheek this afternoon- ewwwww!"

BIWItheBold · 21/06/2012 10:32

.... but this thread has made me realise that I also should have challenged the sexist language on the CB thread too, rather than just the unpleasant sentiments.

Hullygully · 21/06/2012 10:32

Do you find the quality of Damart clothing has went down recently?

No, but the grammar of young people is somethign shocking

BIWItheBold · 21/06/2012 10:31

seeker - as someone who is almost 53 (eek!) I am totally horrified and shocked by the ageism I see here - and I challenge it every time I see it.

"Oh, I'm 25 tomorrow. Am I too old to wear clothes?"

That kind of thing ...

seeker · 21/06/2012 10:30

Ah- I see. Mo, I'm not over 60- but I am a bleeding heart liberal!

Actually, I don't think women do notice when they are treated unfairly- I think it's so normal that it passes them by. The vaguest suggestion that men are not demi gods, though, and many women are out in force.

EatsBrainsAndLeaves · 21/06/2012 10:29

Trying not to offend m'dear,so using vague terms

Do you find the quality of Damart clothing has went down recently?

Hullygully · 21/06/2012 10:25

altho actually - older than what?

the pyramids?
sam cam?
your cat?

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