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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Jul 2, 2014 3:28:03 GMT
I just saw a commercial from Always (feminine products) who put a question to some random people, both boys and girls regarding "just like a girl" Where they were told to run like a girl, fight like a girl, throw like a girl...then they had girls 10-13 yrs old come on and do the same things. The premise was to show that "just like a girl" is an offensive term now (WHO KNEW!!!) the list grows longer each day... NOW Trending = "just like a girl" (critics are saying that it is offensive to girls, lowers their self esteem, confidence...) - Indians (as in Cleveland Indians) although I have never heard anyone say anything derogatory or ethnic "oh that is so like an Indian of you" or any racist connoation
- Redskins (Washington) claim is that it is offensive to Native Indians (I am in the camp that the origin was meant to be an honor, and it is people now who need to not refer to people as "red skins" in a derogatory manner)
- OBVIOUSLY the "N" word VERY offensive--however the only people that I have ever heard using it is African Americans! (go figure!!) and believe that if it is to stop being used in a demeaning manner, then EVERYONE should stop using it, it should not be "okay" for some to use it
- Viking (Minnesota) since the vikings pillaged, plundered and raped it is now not a socially acceptable name for the team
- San Diego Padres (citing the religious aspect of the mascot and name!)
- Devils (many teams, again citing religious intolerance)
Am I in the dark ages with all these especially the "Just like a Girl" now???
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tracylynn
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,899 
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Post by tracylynn on Jul 2, 2014 3:31:13 GMT
The term "girl" in general doesn't bother me, and to me, isn't offensive. I still call myself a girl, and I'm pushing 40.
Now my coworker, who is pushing 60, absolutely HATES the word girl. You can't even talk to her about it.
The only Team name I've heard of being an issue is Redskins. I think if it's offensive, it should be changed.
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Deleted
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Sept 19, 2024 22:12:16 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2014 3:39:31 GMT
Did you actually pay attention to the video? It starts by asking preteen/teen girls to show what running/throwing/hitting "like a girl" looks like and they all do it foolishly and basically mocking themselves and their abilities. Our society consistently tells us that doing something "like a girl" means doing it poorly/wrong, and by tween/teen years, our girls have bought into that.
Then they asked younger girls, too young to have sucked up all that cultural baggage, to do the same things "like a girl" and they just go for it and do their best. They don't yet know what our society thinks doing something "like a girl" means. It's so sad that in the span of just a few years, girls so often go from being brave and strong and believing they can do anything to thinking just the opposite - that they are inherently limited because they are female. They get this message about things like math, science, and technology too - not just physical activities.
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Deleted
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Sept 19, 2024 22:12:16 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2014 3:42:33 GMT
I don't really understand what your question or point here is..
Do you honestly not see how the phrase "like a girl" is offensive... think about how it's used. It's a put-down. It's a way to talk desparaginly about someone's skills. If a man can't throw well, he "throws like a girl".
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Kath
Full Member
Posts: 446
Jun 26, 2014 12:15:31 GMT
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Post by Kath on Jul 2, 2014 3:44:23 GMT
Just like a girl is the insult. Such as screaming like a little girl. It's always been an insult to do things like a girl, often used by grown men in instruction of boys. Apparently the performance level goes down when you throw or run or fight like girls. You don't throw as far, you look silly when you run, you use your nails when you fight instead of your fists, which is less effective, you sound high-pitched and scared when you scream. You appear weak, scared or ineffective, just like a girl.
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Post by thatmarie on Jul 2, 2014 3:50:21 GMT
Not something i am overly sensitive about. I have only had it come across as a joke, nothing really mean spirited. I just laugh and have a snappy comeback
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Post by cyndijane on Jul 2, 2014 3:51:52 GMT
Yeah... the phrase "like a girl" has always been an insult. Not a new thing.
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Jul 2, 2014 4:07:30 GMT
I don't really understand what your question or point here is.. Do you honestly not see how the phrase "like a girl" is offensive... think about how it's used. It's a put-down. It's a way to talk desparaginly about someone's skills. If a man can't throw well, he "throws like a girl". I did not have a real point other than I saw this today, and it was the first time that I really heard that "just like a girl" was demoralizing. I always believed that "just like a girl" meant that we are strong and can go the distance and do better, in fact the local girls school has "we do it just like girls...so keep up" So to answer you directly, no, I did not honestly see that it was offensive, thus my post asking. |
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Post by ktdoesntscrap on Jul 2, 2014 4:08:11 GMT
When I played high school softball for my all girl high school, we would have to run the stairs at the all boys school's foot ball stadium if we committed the "cardinal sin " of throwing "like a girl".
If someone told me I did some thing like a girl.. I would be like yeah I"m a girl! But the phrase has been used to insult girls and women for years!
I think Always is trying to take the phrase back and empower girls and women!
So hell yeah.. I scrap Like a girl, and write like a girl, and shop like a girl........
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Post by Amelia Bedelia on Jul 2, 2014 4:15:20 GMT
I don't understand your post. Are you suggesting that by being offended that comparing people whose physical performances are poor to girls means we're being overly sensitive? That it's too PC to hope that a phrase that is meant to insult boys/men by comparing them to girls stops being used? Because it's definitely used as an insult. And it's only insulting if there's something negative about performing "just like a girl." Maybe you're okay with putting down girls like that, but I don't think it's cool.
ETA: I just saw the OP's response. I'm surprised that you didn't know that because it's common knowledge that it's used as an insult to guys. I even remember my softball coach telling us not to throw like girls when I was in high school, and I promise she wasn't complimenting us.
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Post by mirabelleswalker on Jul 2, 2014 4:19:12 GMT
I agree with everything busypea said. "Like a girl" has negative connotations, and the little girls in the video hadn't gotten that message yet. The differences in the responses of the young girls and the teenage girls were really striking. I thought it was a very powerful ad.
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Jul 2, 2014 4:23:28 GMT
I don't understand your post. Are you suggesting that by being offended that comparing people whose physical performances are poor to girls means we're being overly sensitive? That it's too PC to hope that a phrase that is meant to insult boys/men by comparing them to girls stops being used? Because it's definitely used as an insult. And it's only insulting if there's something negative about performing "just like a girl." Maybe you're okay with putting down girls like that, but I don't think it's cool. ETA: I just saw the OP's response. I'm surprised that you didn't know that because it's common knowledge that it's used as an insult to guys. I even remember my softball coach telling us not to throw like girls when I was in high school, and I promise she wasn't complimenting us. I don't know how anyone gets that I am okay with putting down girls! I am most certainly not! I have said it now a few times, I saw this video today and was wondering if this is a new trending slur, which apparently you all have answered yes it is. I really have not ever associated "just like a girl" as mean or derogatory, it just was not part of my upbringing I guess! I throw like a girl, but I throw well, I am a runner, so running like a girl means nothing to me! The only person I have ever seen run silly is Phoebe on the Friends episode!!!! |
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Post by Amelia Bedelia on Jul 2, 2014 4:28:07 GMT
I don't understand your post. Are you suggesting that by being offended that comparing people whose physical performances are poor to girls means we're being overly sensitive? That it's too PC to hope that a phrase that is meant to insult boys/men by comparing them to girls stops being used? Because it's definitely used as an insult. And it's only insulting if there's something negative about performing "just like a girl." Maybe you're okay with putting down girls like that, but I don't think it's cool. ETA: I just saw the OP's response. I'm surprised that you didn't know that because it's common knowledge that it's used as an insult to guys. I even remember my softball coach telling us not to throw like girls when I was in high school, and I promise she wasn't complimenting us. I don't know how anyone gets that I am okay with putting down girls! I am most certainly not! I have said it now a few times, I saw this video today and was wondering if this is a new trending slur, which apparently you all have answered yes it is. I really have not ever associated "just like a girl" as mean or derogatory, it just was not part of my upbringing I guess! I throw like a girl, but I throw well, I am a runner, so running like a girl means nothing to me! The only person I have ever seen run silly is Phoebe on the Friends episode!!!! For me it was that you were somewhat dismissive of some of the other racial insults on your list. My apologies if I misunderstood. It seemed like a PC run amok vent type post. |
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Post by AussieMeg on Jul 2, 2014 4:29:11 GMT
I'm genuinely surprised that this is the first time in your life you have heard "Like a girl" to be an insult. Oh if only people meant it in the context of girls being strong!
I loved playing softball in high school, but I actually stopped playing because I throw "like a girl". It was a source of embarrassment for me, and I hated playing in the outfield. I was immensely jealous of the only 2 girls in my class who could throw like boys. Why couldn't I do that?!?!?!
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Deleted
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Sept 19, 2024 22:12:16 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2014 4:31:35 GMT
I don't really understand the term "new trending slur", but it's not new... it's been around forever and it's never been used in a positive way.
I was raised by very pro-equality, feminist parents, and while no one ever told me it was an insult, I've always known and felt it was.
I agree some of the shirts/phrases are "taking back" the insult, and I think that's a good thing, but just because it's finally made it's way to a national advertisement doesn't make it a new insult.
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Post by elaine on Jul 2, 2014 4:33:24 GMT
It certainly isn't a new trending slur - I'm 51 and doing ANYTHING "like a girl" was a slur since I was a child in the 60s and 70s! That anyone hasn't heard this expression and doesn't get what it has always meant owes a boatload to the feminists of the 70s who blazed a trail for you.
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alison
New Member
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Post by alison on Jul 2, 2014 4:39:24 GMT
op - yes you are in the dark ages  I moved to the USA in 1989 and the Redskin team name was an issue back then. I mainly connect the "like a girl" phrase to be a derogatory remark made to males especially related to sporting prowess. In some areas it's been replaced by "that's gay", but that would be another post.... |
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Jul 2, 2014 4:57:32 GMT
I don't know how anyone gets that I am okay with putting down girls! I am most certainly not! I have said it now a few times, I saw this video today and was wondering if this is a new trending slur, which apparently you all have answered yes it is. I really have not ever associated "just like a girl" as mean or derogatory, it just was not part of my upbringing I guess! I throw like a girl, but I throw well, I am a runner, so running like a girl means nothing to me! The only person I have ever seen run silly is Phoebe on the Friends episode!!!! For me it was that you were somewhat dismissive of some of the other racial insults on your list. My apologies if I misunderstood. It seemed like a PC run amok vent type post. I sure did not mean to sound dismissive. |
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Post by Amelia Bedelia on Jul 2, 2014 4:58:01 GMT
Indians (as in Cleveland Indians) although I have never heard anyone say anything derogatory or ethnic "oh that is so like an Indian of you" or any racist connoation OBVIOUSLY the "N" word VERY offensive--however the only people that I have ever heard using it is African Americans! (go figure!!) [/div] [/quote] I'm sorry, I also need to address these points because theyre bothering me. 1. Have you ever heard the term Indian giver? Yes, it's different from using Indian as a team name, and no, Indian isn't necessarily a bad thing to say. People don't say "that's so Indian of you," but they do sometimes say things like Indian giver and honest injun, which are offensive. 2. You might not hear it, but rest assured people other than African Americans are using the n word in an unkind way. If you really haven't ever heard "...like a girl" as an insult, you might not be aware of those points. |
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Jul 2, 2014 4:58:52 GMT
op - yes you are in the dark ages I moved to the USA in 1989 and the Redskin team name was an issue back then. I mainly connect the "like a girl" phrase to be a derogatory remark made to males especially related to sporting prowess. In some areas it's been replaced by "that's gay", but that would be another post.... Apparently so! I guess I just never equated it with being negative. I will be more aware now. |
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Jul 2, 2014 5:03:59 GMT
Indians (as in Cleveland Indians) although I have never heard anyone say anything derogatory or ethnic "oh that is so like an Indian of you" or any racist connoation OBVIOUSLY the "N" word VERY offensive--however the only people that I have ever heard using it is African Americans! (go figure!!) [/div] [/quote] I'm sorry, I also need to address these points because theyre bothering me. 1. Have you ever heard the term Indian giver? Yes, it's different from using Indian as a team name, and no, Indian isn't necessarily a bad thing to say. People don't say "that's so Indian of you," but they do sometimes say things like Indian giver and honest injun, which are offensive. 2. You might not hear it, but rest assured people other than African Americans are using the n word in an unkind way. If you really haven't ever heard "...like a girl" as an insult, you might not be aware of those points. [/quote] Thank you! I have heard of "Indian giver" and "honest injun" the former being the last time that I heard it was probably when I was 10 and playing with friends, and using the term not knowing then what it meant. I don't use those phrases at all now and have not in many, many, many years. I see what you are saying though how it can be construed as insensitive to Indians. 2. I gather that to be true, fortunately for me, I keep away from those who make fun or demean others using those terms. I can honestly say that my friends do not use those terms at least not anywhere around me! I should clarify too, that where I have heard it used by other African Americans is on TV/movies/the Channel with the Comedy Central and a few kiddo's on the playground. Thanks again! |
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Post by elaine on Jul 2, 2014 5:12:56 GMT
I have not heard this term. What does it mean? Supposedly I am part Indian, and I still don't know what it means. Thanks!
Stacy, it is when you give something to someone and then take it back from them. I don't know how it started, but it is certainly a negative. |
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alison
New Member
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Post by alison on Jul 2, 2014 5:38:30 GMT
op - yes you are in the dark ages I moved to the USA in 1989 and the Redskin team name was an issue back then. I mainly connect the "like a girl" phrase to be a derogatory remark made to males especially related to sporting prowess. In some areas it's been replaced by "that's gay", but that would be another post.... Apparently so! I guess I just never equated it with being negative. I will be more aware now. On reflection, I am going to side with you. I'm not sure that until I saw the Always video that I equated the term with a negative perception of women, rather I saw it as a put down of males. But the video clearly shows that it does affect females. It is an undeniable fact that as women in the USA we are worth 75 cents for every dollar our male counterpart make. Stupid phrases such as "like a girl" cost us ladies. It may seem 'cute' but it perpetuates an idea of ineffectiveness that every single one of us knows to be untrue. |
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Deleted
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Sept 19, 2024 22:12:16 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2014 5:42:11 GMT
I never thought it was offensive to girls, I thought it was meant to be offensive to guys. Guys generally want to be masculine not girly. Just as girls want to be feminine not masculine. So I just don't see it as an insult to girls.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Sept 19, 2024 22:12:16 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2014 6:00:32 GMT
I never thought it was offensive to girls, I thought it was meant to be offensive to guys. Guys generally want to be masculine not girly. Just as girls want to be feminine not masculine. So I just don't see it as an insult to girls. Of course it's insulting to girls! How could it not be? If you say someone is doing something "like a girl" - it means they are doing it poorly. How can that not be an insult to girls? |
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anniebygaslight
Drama Llama
I'd love a cup of tea. #1966
Posts: 7,402
Location: Third Rock from the sun.
Jun 28, 2014 14:08:19 GMT
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Post by anniebygaslight on Jul 2, 2014 6:42:23 GMT
Thought provoking.
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Post by scrapsuzy on Jul 2, 2014 6:53:50 GMT
I have NEVER heard the phrase "just like a girl" used positively. I love the t-shirt quoted above!
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Post by I-95 on Jul 2, 2014 7:08:55 GMT
I tell my kids if you want it done right, give it to a girl. That includes everything from geek skills to taking the lid of a jar of jam. As a society we need to be aware of the change girls go through during their early teen years....the video points out where they buy into the 'just like a girl' stuff, but studies have been done that show, overall, the math and science skills of girls drops in their early teens. Other countries seem to have realized that and put a focus on girls in science and math....A recent study, by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, showed that 15 years old girls around the world outperformed boys in science....except in the USA, Canada and Great Britain  |
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Post by doesitmatter on Jul 2, 2014 7:10:39 GMT
Not something i am overly sensitive about. I have only had it come across as a joke, nothing really mean spirited. I just laugh and have a snappy comeback ITA^ |
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Deleted
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Sept 19, 2024 22:12:16 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2014 7:35:15 GMT
I never thought it was offensive to girls, I thought it was meant to be offensive to guys. Guys generally want to be masculine not girly. Just as girls want to be feminine not masculine. So I just don't see it as an insult to girls. Of course it's insulting to girls! How could it not be? If you say someone is doing something "like a girl" - it means they are doing it poorly. How can that not be an insult to girls? Men and women are different. They do things differently. Not better or worse than the other, just different. So the only one being insulted is the one you are accusing of doing things in a manner unlike who they are. Be it male or female, adult or child. People don't want to be accused of being like a child. Doesn't mean that you're insulting children, just that an adult behaves differently than a child and that most want to act like what they are. Whether it's male, female, adult or child. The only one being insulted is the one being accused of behaving like something they're not. Just my take on it. |
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