Since the late 1980s, women have become comfortable with using this word in conversation and in media. But it is still offensive when a man calls a woman that word, so how about we eliminate its usage altogether?
African-Americans have spent so much time having national campaigns, TV shows and the spotlight turned on getting people to stop using the “N” word, until women using the “B” word slipped under the radar. In fact, just like the “N” word’s usage, it is so commonly used until it almost is a natural part of the female conversation. Here’s an excerpt of one of the endearing conversations I heard recently.
“Wassup B***ches,” she said laughing as one of her friends replied. “Ain’t nothing up, b*yatch.” Oh, isn’t that convenient? Just like the “N” word has different spellings and meanings depending on who is using the word, so does the “B” word. It may be convenient, but it is definitely not progressive.
In the aftermath of the recent election where Americans placed the first African-American family in the White House, this is a good time to take another look at who we are as a people, a nation and for women, to look at gender. I have heard both ignorant blacks and racist whites say “I can’t believe that we got a n****r in the White House!” So what would that make First Lady Michelle, Barack’s b*yatch? Or can you image Michelle Obama tossing around the “B” word as she sits with the wives and national and world leaders? I can’t. C’mon now?! It is a meaningless term no matter how people justify it.
I know I can’t force people to stop using a word. People have the freedom to be rude and we can’t live in a world without being insulted. However, because of the timing of the election and what it means in the larger context, it would be something to consider at least.
