(no subject)

[novapsyche]

Interesting post in feminist regarding Obama's use of the word "sweetie" in reference to a female reporter.

(Ever since I heard about this exchange, I've been troubled by it. I don't know how to reconcile it.)

Comments

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

I think women who call other people 'sweetie' is less problematic. Of course, I say that as a woman who calls other women (and myself) 'chick'.

But I can't quite explain why, except that there hasn't been a history of women oppressing other women by using 'sweetie' in a sexist manner. Similarly, I wouldn't be as upset if an African-American woman called her husband "boy", because lovers often call each other childlike diminutives; however, whenever a white man calls a black man out of his teens "boy", that is instant racism, I don't care the context.

[eleri.livejournal.com]

see, I guess this is where I get confused. I call people sweety or hon or darlin all the time, doesn't matter what gender. And oppression or insult never mentally enters into it.

But if I was male, I would be labeled sexist, oppressive and dismissive for using the same words, with the same intent, just because I had a dick.

That strikes me as part of the whole "if it's Male, it's part of Teh Evil Establishment" mindset.

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

I am not an misandrist. However, I do see a power structure in America that is skewed to favor males (most often white). If you do not, then we cannot agree.

Certain words have power, depending on who says them and in what context. Context includes history.