So I was planning on taking the week off of my blog because a few things came up that I was preoccupied with but then this whole Ban Bossy (#BanBossy, remember no movement is complete without a hashtag) thing really started to take off and I have some feelings about it. Mostly, I don't like the concept of banning words. As someone who would like to make a living off of words I'd like to keep the ability to use all of them. What the Ban Bossy movement is trying to accomplish is awesome and no matter what we are making marvelous strides for young girls all over, but I think we could do it in much more positive terms.
[Warning: if you are under the age of 15 or if you are a parent of mine the following paragraph's language may upset you]
Augustana was the first place that I had ever heard of The Vagina Monologues. I never made it to an actual show because I'm sure I was sleeping, drinking, or working and also because I'm an unsupportive prick (omg puns for days but I won't). Either way, I was told about a part in the Vagina Monologues one year in which a character discusses the reclamation of the word 'cunt' and taking it back from the people (men) that made it a dirty word. She just says cunt over and over again to diminish the shock. If you hear someone say a word enough, it becomes normal. Little kids don't understand that a swear word can hold some level of power until they curse and everyone gasps. When you don't let a word offend you, the word loses its power.
By banning the word bossy, we are giving the term so much more power than it ever needs to have! Let me present two scenarios.
Scenario 1 #BanBossy:
Little boy: Jane you're being so bossy!
Jane: I am not! Don't call me that!
Little boy: Are to! Let me show everyone what to do!
Jane: (in fear of being called bossy) Okay........... [sad little girl face here]
Scenario 2 BE BOSSY:
Little boy: Jane you're being so bossy!
Jane: I know.
Little boy: But I know better!
Jane: (with extreme confidence that bossy is okay) No, I've got this.
Okay so maybe those aren't perfect scenarios but you have to see my point.
GUYS. VOLDEMORT. HOW MUCH POWER DID LIVING IN FEAR OF A NAME GIVE THAT REPTILIAN SCUM? Am I the only one scared to ban and give power to dumb words? Honestly bossy isn't even that great of a word and should not have that much power ever. I would never BAN it, though.
Dear little girls and women,
Be bossy! Do not feel ashamed when you are called bossy, you should feel empowered. That means you are confident. You know what you want and what needs to be done. That is an amazing accomplishment in itself. I am demanding that you be bossy because the future of AMERICA depends on it. Sorry, the future of the WORLD depends on it. I need to know we are raising little girls to fear nothing and teaching women that they are just as capable as the next person (man or woman) to be the greatest. Do not fear a word, instead use it to master a sharp tongue.
Love,
a very bossy lady.
Updates on stuff I care about:
1) Jason Collins was signed. YES. WAY TO GO, NBA.
2) George the cat is certifiably insane and catnip has no effect on him.
3) Working at a 4am bar is the most fun.
4) I went on a really wonderful 37-hour long date (not consecutive technically because said person slept on the futon, MOM, but still). That's all I'm sharing because some things deserve to remain sacred. This has nothing to do with the fact that he may or may not read my blog.
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