The ‘B’ word faces double standard

Isabell Vasquez/ Contributing Writer

The term “b****” is no stranger in today’s language. The transformation of the term is creating a movement, turning something negative into a positive connotation.

The 1811 edition of the “Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue” by Francis Grose said that the term “b***” was the “most offensive appellation that can be given to an English woman.” It’s defined as a “female dog” or as a derogatory term meaning an unpleasant woman.

It used to be the ultimate insult, but nowadays, it’s being thrown around casually in conversation. The term can be used in any context of conversation and it depends how you say it. You can express an entire spectrum of emotions just by using this one word.

“It’s all about how you display the message,” said Clyde Lambert, an alumni who majored in computer science.

The range of meanings for the term has expanded in modern usage. Women have been reclaiming the word and using among themselves because they are women. They believe they have a right to do so. This goes for any other word that represents a race, ethnicity or gender.

There’s the common phrase, “You say I’m a b**** like it’s a bad thing,” that has become one of the many mantras for the feminist movement.  By adding “bad” in front of it, they created an ideal and image of how women should aspire to be.

Women need to know right from wrong. Society needs to understand that there are boundaries because this idea gives off an excuse for men to continue using it.

“I think it’s disrespectful no matter how you see it,” said Jay Obas, a sophomore majoring in information technology. “You don’t have to add b**** to it to know that this person is bad.”

Females face this double standard that an assertive attitude is dreadful. There are other positive words that could be used to describe strong females. But now it’s used as a form of endearment, ideal and communication. The term “b****” is a word that has been used negatively, now it is used as a filler.  Bad b**** is similar, but holds a higher standard.

Khareece Mattis, a junior majoring in biochemistry and forensic science, uses both terms in her everyday life. “I have like five best friends and we say to each other all the time.”

When we embrace something that has been used in such a negative way, we take out its power. Women use the word “b****” as a form of endearment while men use it as a form of degradation. As females, by using this word, we found a sense of pride in many of the things men criticized us for: assertiveness, strength, independence, etc. These things women used to be insulted for, now became a goal.

“I use it as a term of endearment, I use it as an insult, I use it as self reflection, I also use it sarcastically,” said Laquavia Smith, a senior majoring in communication arts.

My solution is we should stick to the basics of Michael Jackson’s classic song “Bad.”   The meaning of “bad” is referring to someone who’s well received, brave, cool and holds a sense of power within their social circle. That’s exactly what the definition of  a bad b**** is, without gender implications added to it. It’s neutral and I find it better to call someone “bad” than a “bad b****.”

In short, it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. Words only make sense in context. When the day comes when the context has changed, then the core meaning of the word will change too. It all depends on you.

“If someone were to say that to me, I have no idea how I would react because it depends on what’s going on,” Smith said.

I take the word more seriously because it attempts to use a piece of my identity as a weapon, and it feels personal. In the English language, some words have an identity tag, like words used to name a gender, race or ethnicity. While the meaning behind it is positive, some may not know that. At the end of the day, you are still calling them a b****. If we continue to send this message to females and males, we will create a hypocritical and confused generation.

Words have history, meaning and a price. Some may say it’s just a word, but not everyone has the same mindset. I can’t tell you to not use the word. But I can say that freedom comes with a hefty price. You can say whatever you want to whomever you want however you want. But do understand that there is a price that you pay for having that type of freedom. Anybody can say words, but there are consequences. As the rapper Princess Nokia once said, “You can do a lot of things with words, words are very powerful, it’s called spelling for a reason.”

 

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Photo taken from Flickr.