Submitted by Erik_Scheibe on

The Slope Gets More Slippery

Categories
Lifestyle

I remember when they "buried" the N-word.  It was a quaint little ceremony headed up I believe by the illustrious Rev. Al Sharpton (back before he was little more than a giant head on a stick).  There really wasn't too much serious objection, after all I don't think there are too many people in favor of using the word these days.  There was a part of it , though, that was somewhat unsettling.  After all, as bad as it is, it really is just a word.

 

 

If we ban words do we not give them more power than they deserve?  If we cede power to our opposition by the mere muttering of a word or phrase, are we not diminishing ourselves, not only weakening ourselves but exposing where our weaknesses can be easily targeted.  Many including myself wrote at the time about the slippery slope created by the banning of words and victim mentality left in its wake.

 

 

Now we have hit a new low in victimization.  Some brilliant folks have orchestrated a campaign to ban the use of the word "bossy."  Somehow it seems they have seen fit (I'm guessing) to have incorporatd this into the alleged "War on Women."  I don't know when this term became gender specific, but somehow the use of the word has been twisted into something that holds women back, diminishing their ambition and leadership ability.

 

 

We seem to hit new lows these days just by stepping out of bed in the morning.  I can't imagine anything more demeaning to women than the idea that their path to success can be diverted merely by the use of a basic adjective that by definition means overly authoritative and domineering.  I am so concerned that we are overprotecting our children and not preparing them for the real world.

Comments

Rona Gura

I have to admit this is the first time I'm hearing about this word specifically. I have seen instances where, women were negatively labelled as being "aggressive," when men, acting in a similar fashion were not looked upon negatively. That I have an issue with. But I wouldn't stop using the word "bossy," because I apply it to both men and women. By the way, Erik, interesting topic.

Submitted by StephenMichel on Wed, 03/19/2014 - 04:58

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Stephen Michel

There are words I find offensive. But it is my job to tell people that I personally find the words offensive. I don't think it is society's job. Today in an attempt to be "politically correct" almost anything can be found offensive.

On a slightly different topic, how is the "N" word can be revived and used by today's teenagers of color, but not by anyone else.

Submitted by NULL (not verified) on Wed, 03/19/2014 - 05:06

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I have found that of the individuals I know the majority (approx. 60%) have been women. Of course, statistically, there are more females in our population than males.
Cynthia Somma

Fred get's it---Its about leaning in---(Sheryl Sanbergs book).
I think this is a bit misinterpeted. It is meant for women to say we are not bossy, we are the boss.
Until you walk a mile in our stiletto's----can you ever grasp that even in 2014, inequality runs very very deep, and Yes it is still very much a mans world.
It means a lot for me to tell my daughter she can be anyone she choses to be---and truly mean it.

As for the N word its quite disgusting to hear young boys/men call each other that--like it's a good thing. Regardelss of race, I see it all over FB, twitter, Instagram. Boggles my mind.

BTW, love the Al Sharpton description--right on!
Tessa Marquis

This is being discussed quite a bit in Connecticut as well. The problem: The phrase "You are so Bossy" is usually used in a derogatory manner, as part of gender bullying. The solution is probably not the banning of this word. After all, it is Good to be The Boss. Plus: You are not the Boss of Me!

My take on the linguistics of banning the word is that we are a multi-cultural society and this word is not well translatable. Bullying should be stopped in all languages and actions, so calling for a ban on the word "Bossy" does not solve the underlying issue.

IMO ...but then again, I am Very Bossy.

Submitted by NULL (not verified) on Wed, 03/19/2014 - 08:46

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Is the issue banning the use of certain words or being sensitive to the underlying message conveyed by the use of a word and the sensitivity of the listener. In addition, there is the issue of whether seeing the same qualities in a man versus a woman causes us to describe them differently (use different words) based upon our perceptions of how a man or a woman should behave. Funny, I had this very conversation with a woman who was commenting that the same behavior in a man might be termed "being a good leader" or "able to speak his mind" or "self assured" but in a woman "being bossy". One thing I can say is that here in the hinterlands in the professional world, it is still a man's world to a large extent and the old boys network rules. I am truly amazed at the sexism and inequality. I imagine a black person would say the same about racism. Words are very powerful even if they are just words. The same word can take on different meaning depending on who says it and how it is said.
Phyllis Dubrow

Then there was that joke from the 70s about the guy who dies and gets to heaven and comes back, and all his friends want to know what God was like. And the guy says, Well, she was VERY bossy ....

Submitted by NULL (not verified) on Thu, 03/20/2014 - 01:00

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Good one, Phyllis!

So are you saying the act of banning the word is, in itself...bossy? ;)

Submitted by NULL (not verified) on Thu, 03/20/2014 - 02:37

In reply to by NULL (not verified)

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fascinating study ;)

See, now right there would be one joke that would be BANNED! :)

Submitted by NULL (not verified) on Thu, 03/20/2014 - 23:33

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In my house, I am the king, and I make all the important decisions. We're talking the macro: Where we stand on monetary and foreign policy, major social issues, what to do about the federal deficit and so forth. My wife takes care of far less important matters such as how to raise the children, household finances, where to vacation and other minor matters...

On "bossy": Can we please lighten up on political correctness on steroids and run amok?

Submitted by Lucas_Meyer on Thu, 03/20/2014 - 23:34

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Lucas Meyer

Anonymous is me above.
Corey Bearak

I choose my vocabulary purposely and try to maintain words where I think they provide the best description or message.

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