7 in 10 girls believe they are not good enough or do not measure up in some way, including their looks, performance in school, and relationships with family and friends.
- Dove Self Esteem Fund
1 in 3 women, globally, will experience gender based violence in her lifetime.
- USAID.gov
This is Kelsey. She is a Yorkshire Terrier that was with me for 14 years. She was an absolute delight. The term for a female dog is bitch. Somehow the definition has expanded to include negative terms such as a lewd or immoral woman; malicious, spiteful, or overbearing woman; something that is extremely difficult, objectionable, or unpleasant; complaint. (Merriam-Webster dictionary)
Every time I hear the word, especially by women, I cringe. You hear it much more often on broadcast media which seems to imply that it's more acceptable. It's used in angry outbursts, minor frustrations, and more recently as a slang term for friends or followers ("my bitches"). It is demeaning, unfair, and provides a disappointing example for our children.
There is nothing wrong with female dogs. In fact, there is everything wonderful about them. They are known for their loyalty, protectiveness, and caring. So how can it be cute, clever, or even accurate to transform a word that simply identifies the female canine to a label that's disparaging to women in general?
CALL TO ACTION: Stop the hateful speech and discourage it from others. Calling people names is simply a way to vent hostile feelings and not a way to encourage more compassion and harmony. Let's be part of what's right in the world.
