Why has television and the radio become so lax when it comes to bleeping out the word “b*tch”? Once upon a time, it was an offensive and derogatory name to call women; so offensive and derogatory that it was considered an inappropriate swear word. However, in the past few years, our generation has been exposed to it on so many public transmissions, like TV shows and songs on the radio, that it seems like society as a whole has disregarded its “swear word” status and accepted it as normal vernacular. Why is this? What changed?
I have to think that it’s my generation. We are so desensitized to words that are considered “swears” by society’s terms that we hardly hear the offense in the word “b*itch." When you consider where the word originated, it means a female dog that was used for breeding purposes. Pretty messed up when you think that women are being compared to animals that are strictly used for sex and reproduction. And yet, men (and women) adopted this term for beautiful women who were too independent to be considered the ideal picture of femininity (a.k.a. a doormat for a man to use sexually).
But is it really that bad of a word? I say it depends. Every swear word is just a word until it is used in an inappropriate context. Swear words aren’t powerful until people teach us they are through their usage and inflections. So what if “b*tch” was used as a term of endearment from the beginning?
That being said, our generation has collectively changed the definition of the word. We do indeed tend to use the word “b*tch” as a term of endearment. These days, I get called a “b*tch” because I am seen as a powerful woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind and get what she wants. My sorority sisters call me a “bad b*tch” when I get dressed up to go out on the weekends. And I have to say, it doesn’t offend me anymore. I don’t feel attacked when someone calls me a b*tch; in fact, I feel empowered.
Many radical feminists may be up in arms about this relaxed view on a word that used to be derogatory, but I respectfully dissent. I absolutely agree that respect is of the utmost importance when it comes to names we use for each other, which is why I argue that if a woman is uncomfortable with being called a b*tch, she is more than welcome to speak up. It’s a completely personal decision in my eyes. All of us, as people functioning in society, are in control of how people treat us and what we allow others to say to us. That being said, be a b*tch if you want to be, because in this day and age, it doesn’t make you any less of a lady.
