Reclaiming the Word Bitch

The other day, a male classmate of mine tried to "sum up" feminism. We were discussing sexist advertisments, like those for men’s body wash and stuff. I first stated that I think the ad’s are very demeaning to women. He goes, "Why because they show girls being easy?" (WTF! No, it’s MUCH more than that!) So I replied, "No, its a much more complex analysis of men and masculinities, objectification of women, sexism, society’s perception of gender, and the impact of the media." Apparently I am not allowed to "sound smart" about the things I am passionate about, because he said:

"Some feminists take it a bit too far. The whole idea is to make men and women equals, but feminists boost their status by bringing down men’s status by being bitches."(WTF!?!?)

I got SOOO pissed off because:
1. Feminism is not about that at all!
2. I hate when people use the word bitch! and
3. I am a feminist but I don’t hate men at all! That would just counteract the whole movement, would it not?

I called him out and said, "No, its bullshit that people take feminism as a joke because it’s about working for equality for everyone regardless of gender race sex or class – it has nothing to do with hating men, it actually benefits them too!"

He appologized and said he didn’t mean to offend me. But I was still pissed off. So I’m a man-hating "bitch" because I believe in working for equality for everyone? I’m a bitch because I don’t stand for sexism? I’m a bitch because I can make an intelligent statement or defend my opinion in class? It’s bullshit.

So I decided to reclaim the word bitch. Ispired by Kathleen Hanna’s reclaiming of the word "slut," I wrote "Bitch" on my wrist with marker. 

People call women bitches when they show power or "sound smart" or don’t give in. If that’s the case, then I am a bitch and I am proud! I am making the word my own.

I have an image that I wanted to post along with this, but I can’t figure out how. Regardless, I needed to rant/share this story. Thanks Feministing for listening!