• more about #sticksandstones
    genevievee: This echoes an issue in Japan at the moment. The basic words for man and woman are 'dan' and 'onna' respectively. The difference is, where 'dan' can b... more »
    Thus Spake KATE!: I think it really depends on the context. I use the word to describe myself, my friends, and some people I don't like. I know that I'm more likely to ... more »
    KimiKini: I work hard at reclaiming the word. I socialize with a large group of friends. I've been told I "have a reputation" and I have been sat down for a dis... more »
    polypam: A couple years ago while in a very long line at the post office in Williamsburg, some asshat in a skinny t-shirt was in front of me and next in line. ... more »
    prismatism is Team Bella: If someone calls you a bitch for doing something you have every right to do and shouldn't feel bad about, then it's the assumption that you're in the ... more »
    Atomic Bowling: I remember the first time I was called a bitch. I was about 10 or 11 years old and my brother (being the classy 14/15 year old boy he was) got angry a... more »
    Jezebellicose/Queenjulie: To paraphrase an old feminist epigram, "bitch" won't be reclaimed until the worst thing one little boy can call another is no longer "girl." more »
    onestrawplz: I'm skeptical of this story because I have a strong distrust of most Republicans. If it's true, though, boo on Sen. Schumer. But I despise how Repub... more »
    pantlesswonder: You know what? I don't care what word he used. He could've called her a tightass or a poo-poo head or whatever he wanted, it's still totally unaccep... more »
    Zombie Ms. Skittles: I call my mother a bitch. It's become a term of endearment in my vocabulary along with whore. However, as casually as I throw those words around wit... more »
    Beets.Go.On is the Fat Yogini: I might be alone on this one, but "bitch" is actually the one "bad word" that really bothers me. It bothers me more than cunt for whatever reason. It'... more »
    drinkyprose: The senior senator from NY calls a working woman a bitch because she didn't give him special treatment. How is this not sexist and classist? Because ... more »
    Zulkey: No, I would not feel less insulted for being called a bitch for doing my job by a POLITICIAN (whom I have general distaste for, across all parties) ju... more »
    la_periodista: Oh, so now it's the WOMAN'S fault that a man got away with saying something crude and sexist (towards women)? Why couldn't any of the MALES who are p... more »
    Puddlefish: I'm a little weary of reclamation of slurs. If the end goals are to a) divorce the word from its original negative denotation and b) make it soft enou... more »
    Cimorene: I know that some people think that words that are insults, if they get used frequently lose their power. Like, the more you use "bitch" the less power... more »
    LutherNipperkin: "But it can also be used to put a woman in her place — to insult her, for instance, for rejecting a man's advances or for speaking her mind." That'... more »
    sympathyforthebasementcat: I am all for reclaiming bitch, I reclaim it about a dozen times a day. But this is a powerful man using it as an insult against a woman just doing her... more »
    Michelle Louise: Just because its a Democrat who said it doesn't mean the word is losing its sting. I bet if this had been a Repub, Im sure the discussion would be abo... more »
    bluebears: Don't worry guys, Schumer will totally make it up to her by passing the health care reform bill thereby vastly improving her quality of life. Oh wait... more »
  • #sticksandstones

    Has The Word "Bitch" Lost Its Bite?

    Yesterday, reports started circulating that New York Senator Chuck Schumer called a flight attendant a 'bitch' - now, Republicans are trying to make an issue out of it. One question: does anyone even care about the word "bitch" anymore? More »
  • #sticksandstones

    Ask Amy: "How Dare You Call Me A 'Rape Apologist'”

    Following her, ahem, controversial advice to a rape victim, Chicago Tribune advice columnist Amy Dickinson has refused to respond to, or post, negative reader reaction. However, she did write in to one critic...who, in turn, shared with the Sexist blog: More »
  • #modelbehaviors

    Can This Model Really Sue Someone For Calling Her A Ho?

    Look, we wouldn't fancy being called "Horsey Face," "ho," "skank bitch," "#1 skanky superstar," "old hag," and "psychotic, lying, whoring, still going to clubs at her age, skank," either. But grounds for a lawsuit? More »