Paulette, I have a 20-year-old cousin who sometimes calls his mother "Woman" when he wants something, and I don't understand how she puts up with it. My mother and I both find it offensive to women in general, and incredibly rude since it is his mother. Whereas our text notes that "our language also reflects society's view of women as defined by their relationships with others rather than as independent agents" (120), he goes a step farther and does not give her an identity at all. As you have seen in your niece, his behavior can have a very negative influence on those around him. I am sure he uses this kind of language about women when he is away at college which tells his peers that it is okay. His younger sister is also likely to feel disrespected and put down, even if she is unaware of it. His mother's acceptance of his behavior indicates that she should accept less than complete respect from males.
Like Paulette, I would also like to both applaud and thank you Jeff, for standing up to your friend and defending your girlfriend. Language like that is demeaning and cannot continue to be accepted.
No comments:
Post a Comment