Some men call women females. It drives me crazy because 1.) they are usually saying it in a non positive sometimes disparaging way and laced with misogynoir (i.e. a message I received earlier saying “you could inspire these insecure females” it was meant to be a compliment but it seemed to dig at other women who might be insecure etc.) and 2.) it’s just not correct. Female and woman are not synonyms.
Of the men that use this term, I usually say something to the effect of, “let’s not use female to describe women” or “let’s say women”
Of the men who use the term to describe women you have the following reactions:
- okay (I may or may not understand but because you asked me not to, I’ll stop because I know it offends you)
- okay, but why? (accepting but
genuinely
wants to know why)
- why? (genuinely wants to know why before accepting or not)
- why, *fuck shit*, *defensive banter*, *argumentative* (set in their ways and is not open to knowledge)
For the guys who
genuinely want to know why and are interested in receiving understanding, here are some simple articles that might better explain why it’s better to call a woman a woman and not a female.
- Very Smart Brothas:
WHY YOU SHOULD PROBABLY STOP REFERRING TO “WOMEN” AS “FEMALES,” EXPLAINED
- The Root: Who You Calling a Female?
If a woman or anyone asks you not to call them a term they deem offensive, and you still do it, you’re making a conscious decision to be an asshole.I don’t care if you’ve been saying female to describe women your whole life, just think about how you’re using the word.
Random thought (about the word female) *ugh*
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