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 discussions can never hurt me. Unfortunately, this old phrase isnt entirely trueit doesnt define which expressions are 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 negative and offensive, that have been used to oppress a specific group. Their account has produced such a negative symbolic power and creates such a stigma, that they possess the ability to harm or injure. Cunt is such a word. The word cunt used in modern language carries a heavy 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 gusto for its use, reveals the misogyny that the word possesses. After all, cunt is another, albeit derogatory, word for vagina and (most) females have a vagin a 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 dishonor this very symbol of womanhood, by scandalizing the word in attempt to claim 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 whole shebang of Matthew Hunt. Web. Dec. 2010. . Muscio, Igna. Cunt A Declaration of Independence. Share Book Recommendations With Your Friends, Join Book Clubs, Answer Trivia. Web. Dec. 2010. . TVs Most Offensiv e Words Media MediaGuardian. 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. .