Language, slang, and violent speech that are degrading towards women are portrayed very frequently in media and have always been used in our society. As a society, we often use degrading language towards women, most of the time this language is sexually demeaning. Music, and television shows often reinforce this language and this attitude of objectifying women through lyrics, music videos and scripts. The commonalty of sexually degrading words such as; slut, whore, and bitch, are not only used by men more women are using these words, surprisingly even as terms of endearment. Language such as this objectifies women which often lead to violence towards women. Words such as pimp and player are used to describe men in a positive way and add to gender inequality. Even when insulting a man we often use women’s genitals to insult men. Language plays a huge role in any society, and making degrading slang, towards women more acceptable whether coming from a man or a woman, often leads to society objectify and dehumanizing women.
American women often use the word bitch and slut loosely when describing women whose sexuality they don’t agree with. Even when a case of rape is against women, sometimes even women and men will blame the victim saying she asked for it because she is a slut. Another popular idea using violent language against women is saying that oh I’m a strong woman to that makes me a bitch, the word bitch is not a word to describe a strong powerful women it has been used for years to demean women. Words such as slut, whore, bitch and many more slang often lead to low self-esteem in women. Women also feel more ashamed with their sexuality so they will not be deemed a slut.
The problem of using insulting language towards women is in no way decreasing, it’s increasing and becoming a part of our daily vocabulary. I believe that the only solution to this problem is making people more aware of what this type of language contributes to. These are not just words, language shapes our society in many ways, and normalizing this awful language towards women may often give an OK for promoting violent and cruel behavior towards women. The government can’t make a difference in this issue, but we as a society should inform our younger generation the ugly truths behind these exact words to dehumanize both women and men.

Questions to think about: 1. Why do you think more women are using degrading language and trying to turn it into a positive way? 2. Is there anything that can be done in schools to stop the language? 3. Do you believe women often use this language to put down other women?

http://blogs.indiewire.com/womenandhollywood/bitch-please

http://hartleyworks.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/isnt-it-time-women-stopped-calling-each-other-bitch/