Seriously, stop calling me a ‘bitch’

The word “bitch” is destructive, rude, and unnecessary. Although I’m guilty of saying it sometimes, it’s a word I hate hearing and loathe being called. Last week as I was walking into work I got catcalled and when I responded, “That’s disrespectful and rude,” the catcaller proceeded to tell me that I was an “ungrateful bitch” and listed almost every expletive I’ve ever heard. I always love when I can check “public sexual harassment” off my list before 10am.

As a capable, driven, and educated young woman, I’m well aware that this wasn’t the first and surely won’t be the last time someone calls me a bitch.

So please, stop calling me a bitch when I’m direct or firm or say something you don’t like. Stop calling me a bitch because I’m a go-getter and I go-got something you thought you deserved. Stop calling me a bitch because you saw me out once and I didn’t ask how you were or fawn over your ugly outfit.

For reasons I should not have to list, here’s why I would rather not be called a bitch.

It’s rude

My face when you refer to me as a “bitch”

The word “bitch” is not nice, and contributes no positive value to a conversation.

Gigi Gupte, a psych major at the University of Maryland, summed it up perfectly: “Girls are called bitches for having opinions, saying no, standing up for themselves, and basically showing any leadership qualities that are praised in men.”

Essentially, women can’t do anything men are expected to do without a derogatory term being casually tossed down at them from the gleaming pedestal that is the patriarchy.

Not only is the word “bitch” a tool used to devalue a woman’s power, it is also used by men to describe other men who don’t fit their poorly constructed standards of masculinity. Have you ever noticed how guys can be easily coaxed into something out of the sole fear that they would otherwise be considered a “little bitch?” How curious.

It’s unnecessary

In the English language alone there are 1,025,109 words. As educated young people there is absolutely no reason we can’t find alternative words to describe how we feel about someone. Instead of telling your friend she looks like a “bad bitch,” tell her she looks powerful and capable. Instead of calling your enemy a bitch because you can’t stand the sight of her stupid face, just roll your eyes and walk away. You have better things to do.

It’s Annoying

My first-day-at-a-big-girl-job outfit (because I’m capable as hell)

For anyone who hasn’t been called a bitch before, you can probably imagine my chagrin when my valid, well-thought-out argument is invalidated with one single word formerly used to refer to a female dog. It’s also a waste of time trying to navigate the minefield that is texting when it comes to whether or not someone really meant it when they called you a bitch. Also, Resting Bitch Face?! Are you kidding me? SOOO sorry I’m focused on something other than being super smiley and perky 24/7.

Rona, a digital media production major at Florida State, added that “[the word ‘bitch’] pits women against each other and reinforces sexism.”

Although I completely understand that some women feel empowered by the word or don’t mind it at all, I can’t help but feel that we are tearing someone down a little bit each time we say the word.

Of course, words are all relative. Regardless of how this word makes you feel, be careful when using it to describe other people.