Dropping the C-bomb Essay -- Feminism

Its one of the oldest idioms that inevitably the majority of us have heard as a youth on a playground Sticks and stones may break my bones, but ledgers can never hurt me. Unfortunately, this old phrase isnt entirely trueit doesnt define which news programs argon hurtful, the context they are used in, or its historical context. In fact, words can be powerful. There are a number of words in language, that are both banish and offensive, that have been used to oppress a specific group. Their history has produced much(prenominal)(prenominal) a negative symbolic power and creates such a stigma, that they induce the ability to harm or injure. snap is such a word. The word cunt used in modern language carries a heartrending offensive potency in just one syllable. Saying phrases such as Youre a cunt Stop being such a cunt or You fucking cunt for those with more savour for its use, reveals the misogyny that the word possesses. After all, cunt is another, albeit derogatory, word for va gina and (most) females have a vagina and the vagina is the central powerful symbol for femininity. What does it mean then to essentially be a vagina (read cunt)? Furthermore, as a woman, what does it mean to have such a pejorative word aimed towards you with the intent to offend, harm, and essentially oppress ones own femininity? Yet, as British journalist Zoe Williams states, the word vagina is not used to insult women however, cunt is. To be called a cunt, then, suggests that the offender is attempting to set on this very symbol of womanhood, by scandalizing the word in attempt to contain and perpetuate its pejorative power, thus diminishing the woman, and inadvertently her power.Attitudes towards the usage of the word cunt reveal its pejorative power and the ... .... . Hunt, Matthew. Cunt Etymology. The Works of Matthew Hunt. Web. Dec. 2010. . Muscio, Igna. Cunt A Declaration of Independence. Share Book Recommendations With Your Friends, Join Book Clubs, make out Trivia. Web . Dec. 2010. . TVs Most Offensive Words Media Media shielder. Latest News, Comment and Reviews from the Guardian Guardian.co.uk. 25 Nov. 2005. Web. Dec. 2010. . Zoe Williams The Feminist Mistake Comment Is Free The Guardian. Latest News, Comment and Reviews from the Guardian Guardian.co.uk. 14 June 2006. Web. Dec. 2010. .