Addressing the question of whether it’s offensive for women themselves to use the term, Abbie raised the specter of internalized misogyny. She argued that women, too, can unwittingly perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes and language, internalizing and reproducing the very same oppressive ideologies that seek to subjugate them.
While Abbie’s remarks found resonance among a significant portion of her audience, eliciting agreement and support, they also sparked vigorous dissent and debate. Some pushed back against what they perceived as an overemphasis on semantics, arguing that the focus should be on substantive issues facing women and marginalized communities rather than linguistic nitpicking.
Yet, the significance of language in shaping perceptions and attitudes towards gender and identity cannot be overstated. Words have the power to both reflect and reinforce societal norms and power structures, and as such, it’s crucial to critically examine and challenge the language we use, particularly when it comes to issues of gender and inclusivity.
