Uhope said:

Not going to respond to every post or question posed, but I will say that I agree with you, BobGeorge, that intent IS important. The problem becomes the audience and whether or not they understand your intent. If someone's talking to a friend and they playfully call each other bitch and know there's no ill intent involved, then that's one thing. I don't like it, but it's not about me.


On the other hand when you, specifically, refer to Hillary Clinton, former Secratary of State and former Senator as "bitch", man, I cringe. Neither Hillary nor the readers of this website have the familiarity with you to understand your intent. It's downright disrespectful, whether you mean it that way or not.

the word bitch, much like the word nigga (which could be changed from the original spellin) or even fag, these words (to some) have been used to create a unity usin the same words that were used to

create a seperation from the user and a lower being. by takin a word used to degrade and releasin it from power one can own the word, instead of lettin a word own them.

some gay people love referrin to themselves as faggots, just like you hear some women love to say they're bitches ho's and sluts, some niggas like the idea of callin themselves niggas BUT in most cases

you'll find that, IT'S OK FOR THEM, YOU JUST BETTER NOT DO IT!!! you had best be a friend...

words are words (true) and words can hurt some people.

" a rose is a rose", is a rose... but watch out how you speak to fags, niggas, bitches, and ho's.

it's somethin they can use that's exclusive to them, they own it, you don't own it, don't use it.

Uhope said:

1. No, of course not. But for the purpose of the topic at hand, referencing the women's opinions in this thread are the only relevant ones. I cannot vouch for those who haven't responded. Of women I know personally, I answered earlier that not one would use the word to describe themselves or another person in a positive way. Or indeed, use it at all.

2. In my opinion, it is only inoffensively used to describe a female dog.

BobGeorge909 said:

Uhope said:

1. No, of course not. But for the purpose of the topic at hand, referencing the women's opinions in this thread are the only relevant ones. I cannot vouch for those who haven't responded. Of women I know personally, I answered earlier that not one would use the word to describe themselves or another person in a positive way. Or indeed, use it at all. 2. In my opinion, it is only inoffensively used to describe a female dog.

So two people in a house or apartment are having a conversation and use the term bitch in regards not each other, in a manner that these two people feel good about...is it an offensive use of the word? I just utterly baffeels me that any and all uses of any word can be deemed offensive...that's just silly and nonsensical. Again...u aren't them...so how can u determine what is offensive for them...that is for them to determine...how do u not understand that?

Not "any and all uses". I stated where I believe such use is appropriate.

I'm NOT determining what's offensive for them or anyone. I've only...ONLY determined what's offensive to ME.

Like Carrie mentioned above, I am well aware that people like to use what are normally considered derogatory words as terms of affection amongst themselves, people they know well. Goody for them. Neither I nor anyone in my circle use that sort of language; I don't think it is positive. But if others want to, that's their business. But certainly not in MY house or apartment.

I just don't want to hear it (or foul language, in general). If I am one of the members of the conversation, I would request such language not be used. Or I would excuse myself.

Can you understand that?

Okay.

I don't see where in this thread I said that things that are offensive to me should be offensive to all. I have always *only* stated my own thoughts. I am not campaigning for support.

Your thread topic claims that the "b" word is a "near badge of pride". I haven't read a statement here that confirms that claim. To be honest, it seems a bit more you than me who is inferring commiseration on a point of view.

It is not necessary for anyone else on the planet to feel the same way I do. About *anything*. I am free to believe as I wish and have my own standards.

Others do not have to live up to them, of course. Often I don't live up to them, either. But I am not required to indulge situations that make me uncomfortable. All I need to do is remove myself from the situation, not pass a law that prevents others from indulging. Y'all go ahead and call each other every name in the book. With love, of course.

I'm beginning to feel that you think my not agreeing with you on the use of various words/language is the same as not understanding you. I understand. I just do not like it and I do not agree with it.

BobGeorge909 said:

Something being offensive to a person doesn't require that it's offensive for all. That's just simple fact...I don't see how u can dispute it. Its ignorance. A forceful attempt to not understand another person.

I'm not sure what you're arguing here. I think everyone agrees with that point.

My only addition would be that no one can tell anyone else what to be offended by. Offense is in the eye of the beholder. You can later explain your intent or apologize or whatever you want if your intent wasn't to offend (and sometimes we DO mean to offend, let's be real, so no clarification needed).

In any case. you now take that into account and move on with the information. You either change your behavior because of it or don't, but now you know that someone finds it offensive.

CarrieMpls said:

Uhope said:

BobGeorge909 said:

In my eyes...when you agree that ANY and ALL uses of the word bitch as being offensive...means that when I pick up the phone and say to my best friend "what's up bitch!" That I'm being offensive. I defiantly....defiantly....am NOT being offensive. U weren't there...u didn't hear it...it doesn't involve you...u don't know why or how I'm saying it...u don't know its being said... It may be offensive to you...but its not just flat out offensive in ANY and ALL instances of use. How can it be offensive when the ONLY parties involved(aside from some NSA agent) are feeling great about what's happening and being said? [/quote]

Still not sure where you're getting the impression that I believe you are offending your friend. I'm not part of your hypothetical conversation. I've only spoken about what sounds good to MY ears in MY presence when I'M part of the conversation. How I particularly feel about the word, in general. I don't care what you call your friends. I've also qualified this "any and all" phrase you keep using.

It wasn't any kind of serious crusade...just a thread to prompt some discussion and numerous comments...but then people announce that its offensive and that cunt is offensive...well no fucking duh! Black is dark and the sun is bright...if u don't appreciate the word bitch to any degree...your opinion it moot on that topic...

Why would you start a thread if opinions different from yours would be moot?

Tbh...I would have had a better time if u hadn't spoken a word...but have fun.

Sorry you feel that way. Again, I meant no offense to you -- just attempting to engage in a conversation. You seem to think my expressions are meant to apply to everyone when I've consistently said they only reflect my own point of view and how my friends and I conduct our conversations. And I am not the only one in this thread who doesn't appreciate such terms to describe ourselves or other women. Tbh -- I've had a great time in this conversation. I always learn something new about my fellow humans on discussion boards.

Uhope said:

Still not sure where you're getting the impression that I believe you are offending your friend. I'm not part of your hypothetical conversation. I've only spoken about what sounds good to MY ears in MY presence when I'M part of the conversation. How I particularly feel about the word, in general. I don't care what you call your friends. I've also qualified this "any and all" phrase you keep using.

It wasn't any kind of serious crusade...just a thread to prompt some discussion and numerous comments...but then people announce that its offensive and that cunt is offensive...well no fucking duh! Black is dark and the sun is bright...if u don't appreciate the word bitch to any degree...your opinion it moot on that topic...

Why would you start a thread if opinions different from yours would be moot?

Tbh...I would have had a better time if u hadn't spoken a word...but have fun.

Sorry you feel that way. Again, I meant no offense to you -- just attempting to engage in a conversation. You seem to think my expressions are meant to apply to everyone when I've consistently said they only reflect my own point of view and how my friends and I conduct our conversations. And I am not the only one in this thread who doesn't appreciate such terms to describe ourselves or other women. Tbh -- I've had a great time in this conversation. I always learn something new about my fellow humans on discussion boards.

i find that most women who wear the badge 'bitch' proudly do so simply because someone of the male gender has affixed it to her, for daring to be outspoken or for putting a crack up in that glass ceiling most men enjoy standing on.

*

that is, women are frequently labeled 'bitch' by guys who wish to relegate said woman to her 'proper' place in their minds eye and to keep her from becoming too uppity. so a woman who survives the bitch label and goes on to love herself still, might be inclined to brag about it.

JustErin said:

I've noticed that most women who wear the bitch badge with pride are fucking idiots.

KingBAD said:

the word bitch, much like the word nigga (which could be changed from the original spellin) or even fag, these words (to some) have been used to create a unity usin the same words that were used to

create a seperation from the user and a lower being. by takin a word used to degrade and releasin it from power one can own the word, instead of lettin a word own them.

some gay people love referrin to themselves as faggots, just like you hear some women love to say they're bitches ho's and sluts, some niggas like the idea of callin themselves niggas BUT in most cases

you'll find that, IT'S OK FOR THEM, YOU JUST BETTER NOT DO IT!!! you had best be a friend...

words are words (true) and words can hurt some people.

" a rose is a rose", is a rose... but watch out how you speak to fags, niggas, bitches, and ho's.

it's somethin they can use that's exclusive to them, they own it, you don't own it, don't use it.

^exactly.

B1tchierThanEver said:

you rang?!

Uhope said:

tinaz said:

Uhope said:

Hmmmm. I don't see where that comment is that much different from what I've expressed here. Rude language never sounds like a good conversation to me, but for those who feel different, carry on.

I'm happy you see a difference you like.

I promise -- I do not understand why how I feel about words/language, etc. seems to rile you so much, although you do seem to like to infer much more meaning to my words than I intend (hmmm...). I bother you but you don't bother me. You and I do not know each other. We have absolutely NO impact on each other's lives. How we feel about how the other speaks, lives, etc. really has no bearing on our every day movements. We obviously have been raised differently and have acquired different values and ideas about life. Culture and age also likely play a part. Vive la difference!

Questions have been posed about the "usability" of certain words/phrases. I have chimed in here with my random two pennies on the topic (I don't even watch movies with excessive swearing in it -- I don't like to hear it) but have stated that my thoughts are my own about using the words, hearing others use them, what it means *to me*. I don't really care if you cuss your friends and family out regularly. You should not care what I think about it; it does not matter. But if you *ask* how I feel about it, I will let you know. Conversely, my friends speak politely to each other and talk about the Bible to strangers whenever the opportunity arises. How you or anyone else feels about those conversations matters not to me. It's our business.

This is just a message board with 9/10ths of the topic matter being trivial matters. You have no need to get so bent about how I feel or express myself. My opinion carries no more or less weight than anyone else's. No one needs my approval.

[Edited 10/4/13 9:31am]

Uhope said:

wow. you are a sensitive soul. sorry about it all.

Uhope said:

I keep forgetting it's used a lot in songs. I had to listen to it constantly repeated song after song this morning being given a ride to work. It's annoying as hell.

I always first think of women who have crossed barriers in the corporate world and who have had to deal with that word and those who have embraced in a way, in that I can admire. But this constant repeating of it randomly for no real reason doesn't seem to change the fact that it's a vulgar unpleasant word, at least to my ears.

morningsong said: