Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: There must be GOP politicians who care about the U.S., and are smart enough to see what's going on. [View all]Bernardo de La Paz
(49,000 posts)29. The reason I am taking the time to write is because I respect you as a writer
I look for your screeds when I see your name.
I'm sure you are not sexist. However even people fighting sexism sometimes slip into sexist language. There are many words and phrases one can use. You could say "gonads", but even that is not true though it is non-gendered. In this case, you used "spine" which is very effective, as would be "guts" and "teeth". One could work in things like "heart" and "claws".
Language has power to be exclusive or inclusive. Every time a male metaphor is used, perhaps carelessly or lazily, the visualization is of a male person, which reinforces all the images we have of males in positions of power. It can add to discouragement without the reader knowing why they feel discouraged.
Does Nancy Pelosi have balls? Hillary? Kamala? Elizabeth? You know the answer. Do they need them to get done what needs doing, the great work they do?
It's a small thing, this, but it helps women attain their rightful place.
Edit history
Please sign in to view edit histories.
49 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
RecommendedHighlight replies with 5 or more recommendations
There must be GOP politicians who care about the U.S., and are smart enough to see what's going on. [View all]
C Moon
Jan 2020
OP
Probably both - and the ones that just want the trappings of power no matter what the cost.
Kablooie
Jan 2020
#1
The reason I am taking the time to write is because I respect you as a writer
Bernardo de La Paz
Jan 2020
#29
Well if there were any women in the GOP coverup party then I'd say grow some ovaries. nt
UniteFightBack
Jan 2020
#38
They are cowards and not good citizens. It's incredible how they all are that.
rusty quoin
Jan 2020
#5
This is the correct assessment. They care not for the country or the Constitution, only power.
LonePirate
Jan 2020
#31
Do you suppose "real" Republicans will turn against Trump once they've won their primaries?
no_hypocrisy
Jan 2020
#19
I have thought about this often over the last few years. Some thoughts.
Pacifist Patriot
Jan 2020
#23