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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:
Hullygully · 21/06/2012 10:24

ancient grizzled crone m'dear

EatsBrainsAndLeaves · 21/06/2012 10:23

Hully - I knew you were older!

Hullygully · 21/06/2012 10:22

I'll challenge it from now on

Huansagain · 21/06/2012 10:21

I think a person notices, when the groups they belong to, are being treated unfairly.

So the feminists think they're oppressed.
Men in MN think they get a hard time.
Step-mums think they have it tough.
etc.

As they'll notice if someone is horrible about something that is relevant to them more, than they would about something that isn't.

Just my opinion, so feel free to ignore.

Hullygully · 21/06/2012 10:21

Casual isms abound I suppose.

Haven't noticed more ageism thatn any other?

EatsBrainsAndLeaves · 21/06/2012 10:21

Maybe seeker is 25 and just hates the bashing of older woman on here? As I do.

And woman hating seems to be the last acceptable prejudice

seeker · 21/06/2012 10:20

Grin and I think babies should be bottle fed and weaned at 4 months. Oh and I'm really keen on smacking as a means of discipline.

I do think the agism on mumsnet is shocking, though. And nobody ever challenges it.

Hullygully · 21/06/2012 10:16

Seeker is 702 and loves grammar schools. Everyone knows that.

Haven't seen Cherie Blair thread but I odn't understand why any of that stuff is necessary/relevant. If you don't agree with some of her actions etc, why does personal abuse come into it Confused?

seeker · 21/06/2012 10:15

Why? Do you think I would only object to casual ageism if I was?

Huansagain · 21/06/2012 10:13

Are you over 60 Seeker?

EatsBrainsAndLeaves · 21/06/2012 10:12

Agree seeker

seeker · 21/06/2012 10:10

Actually, I reckon the most abused group on mumsnet is women over 60.

Huansagain · 21/06/2012 10:09

It seems to me to be acceptable on Mumsnet to be rude about anyone, men or women.

I very much doubt anyone speaks to people in real-life the way they do on the Internet. You don't hear it very often.

I think it's anonymous keyboard-warrior syndrome.

Anniegetyourgun · 21/06/2012 10:00

Those words are also used about toxic mothers, evil MILs and annoying people in checkout queues, though, to be fair.

Huansagain · 21/06/2012 09:46

'Twat' seems to be a common word no matter how large or small the man's perceived transgression.

'Cunt' seems to be fairly common as well,

EatsBrainsAndLeaves · 21/06/2012 09:45

Some words are used in relationship threads where a particular man's behaviour is appallingly objectionable. Not really a fair comparison. I do not see men when being discussed here being treated as harshly as woman - especially when we talk about men and woman in the public eye

Original poster
wordfactory · 21/06/2012 09:44

*I'msotired8 how we relate to each other is a matter for all of us.

But sexist language is different. For me it is in the smae category as rascist language or homophobic langauge.

OP posts:
BIWItheBold · 21/06/2012 09:42

I was a bit shocked at the vitriol towards Cherie Blair on that thread as well.

seeker · 21/06/2012 09:40

That's because "leave th bastard" has become a sort of ironic catch phrase used when somebody complains about their OP buyingbthe wrong brand of beans when th do the shopping. This is because so many people complained about its previous occasional use with serious intent!

PetiteRaleuse · 21/06/2012 09:39

Very good point wordfactory but it is the same in RL too unfortunately. I am always surprised at how many women seem to hate women more than sexist men hate women.

My mum for example can't refer to any female politician without saying she is an absolute cow, or a real hag. And don't get her started on Cherie Blair.

It's shocking to think she raised three daughters all the while thinking so poorly of women in any kind of public position.

And she is a long way from being the only woman hating woman that I know. It is really sad :(

Snorbs · 21/06/2012 09:37

I've never noticed anyone challenging the use of "Leave the bastard!" on MN due to its harsh language aimed at men.

imsotired · 21/06/2012 09:37

come on! do an advanced search... wankstain has been used in 34 posts since the first of January.

How people relate to each other in degratory terms is a problem for us all.
however saying its a feminist issue and posting it here isnt very useful at all.

EatsBrainsAndLeaves · 21/06/2012 09:32

imsotired - where are these terms used commonly in MN. Sounds like the false accusations F.4J made about this site.

And frothy dragon is right - woman hating is so depressingly common, including from other women.

seeker · 21/06/2012 09:32

Because women are fair game. Somebody always challenges harsh language towards men.

imsotired · 21/06/2012 09:30

and you dont hear men getting slagged off for being men?

sexist pig
ugly bastard
wankstain

are all common everyday comments aimed at men (though thankfully not in my RL)

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