I’m A P*ssy And I’m Proud
“You're a p*ssy.” “You run like a girl.” “Stop acting like a b*tch.” These are things we’ve all heard, and probably said before. I use them more than I’d like to admit. There’s nothing wrong with the occasional insult (out of love, of course). However, when we take a closer look at popular insults like these, there is some concern. Specifically, these phrases all have one thing in common: using femininity as an insult.
Although “you’re a p*ssy” is such a common phrase, it makes no logical sense. Vaginas are one of the strongest organs in our bodies. They go through the excruciating experience of childbirth and still bounce back. On the other hand, “having balls” is used to describe someone that does something strong or courageous. Yet, balls are, in fact, one of the weakest external organs that humans have. One little kick causes a person to fall to the ground in pain. So, if women’s organs are so much stronger, why are they used to describe people as weak, cowardly, and scared? It is likely because our society is structured around the belief that masculinity is superior to femininity. Masculine men are seen as strong, intellectual, and independent, while feminine women are seen as dainty, dull, and passive. This masculine ideal has been present in our society for many decades. Although it stemmed from various factors, our language magnetizes it.
To many people, words may seem very insignificant. After all, sticks and stones break bones. However, according to scientists and psychologists, that isn’t the case. Developed by Benjamin Whorf, the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis is “the grammatical and more verbal structure of a person's language influences how they perceive the world.” Believe it or not, the language you use to give meaning to things actually influences your unconscious attitudes. So, what happens when we constantly use femininity as an insult? Eventually, we will form an implicit attitude that femininity is something to avoid; it is seen as socially undesirable. This is quite a problem, as half of the people on this earth are women. Many things women do are scolded by people that view masculinity as superior. Women who enjoy things that are too “girly” are too in touch with their emotions (otherwise known as emotional maturity) or are into hobbies like studying zodiac signs. But is there really a logical reason why these things are considered undesirable? Nope. We have been taught to view masculine things as better. Women who are “badass," have great leadership skills, and play some type of sport are praised. All these things are positive qualities in a person, but so are the feminine traits. It becomes an issue when only the masculine aspects of what someone does are seen as positive.
People of all genders do normal things that are considered “feminine” all the time. Men doing normal behaviors like caring for their children, feeling their emotions, and having compassion for others are seen as “lame.” This is because these behaviors are interpreted by society as feminine, even though they are not inherently feminine and are characteristic of all humans. When we 1) label things as feminine when they, in reality, are not, and 2) view feminine things as bad, problematic consequences arise. This is why it has become a social standard for men not to engage in healthy practices out of fear of being seen as too “feminine.” For instance, many men avoid practicing good skincare and hygiene. Also, according to research from the American Journal of Men’s Health, “...compared to women, men are less likely to seek help for mental health difficulties.” These are just a couple of the unhealthy ways in which fear of being perceived as too feminine manifests. In reality, skincare and mental healthcare are only “feminine” because other people tell us they are. There is nothing legitimate that actually makes these practices feminine. Therefore, if we can see these practices for what they truly are, we can begin to break these unhealthy cycles.
The overuse of feminine insults lead to the view that women are inferior. Men generally have more masculine qualities, and women have more feminine ones. Therefore, language that shapes the attitude that femininity is inferior creates the belief that women are inferior. Nevertheless, it can be difficult to change up the language that you are so used to using. Sometimes I struggle with finding another word to use in place of “p*ssy.” Even being conscious of the effects language like this causes and putting in an effort to minimize it is a good first step. Maybe we can invent a new, better word. Perhaps, we can shift our language to calling someone a p*ssy as a positive trait. After all, who wouldn’t want to be as strong as a vagina? It might not be the same as calling someone a p*ssy in the traditional sense, but at least it won’t propagate the inferiority of women.
Strike Out,
Ally Nelson
Boca Raton
Ally Nelson is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. Her passions include studying psychology, creating art and fashion, and drinking margaritas. You can reach her on Instagram @a.l.l.y_n or email @ nelsonalyssa.h@gmail.com.
