(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]

That was part of what some people were saying, that in some cultures (such as the South), this would not be derogatory at all.

At the same time, as someone over at feminist said, you can bet that no man calls another man "sweetie".

[sttatus-quo.livejournal.com]

Not het men, no. I hear "sweetie" all the time out of the some .. more nellie.. gay men I know.

My ex, as a nurse, used to call male patients "Chief".. which is a local New Orleans custom.

I think that het men do similar things by calling each other things like "buster" or "buddy" in particular tones.

Like everything else.. Context is *everything*.