Words [View all]

I would like to hear from the feminists on DU. I will ask some questions below but would like to give some back ground for the reasoning of the questions.

I have read on DU that words can't hurt you unless you let them.

I have read on DU that people have free speech, and that feminists are trying to infringe on that right.

I have read on DU that feminists who point out sexist speech are "pearl clutchers" are "getting the vapors" and "need a fainting couch".

I have read on DU that there are special contexts and circumstances where sexist slurs should be allowed on DU.

I have read on DU that pointing out the use of this sexist language is detrimental to feminism, essentially minimizing more pervasive forms of sexism.

How, would you respond to a poster who retorts in any of the ways above, when you bring to their attention that the words/phrases they are using is sexist?

How do you respond to other women who retort in the same fashion?

I really hope that we can brainstorm and learn from one another.