Warning! I say a few bad words in this post, but they're just part of the story... I just had a quick thought for today -
I was talking with Bryan this morning, and telling him a story from a few years ago about being called a dyke when someone was angry with me. (I know - great morning conversation.)
To my knowledge, this is the only time in my life that I've been called a dyke.
In recounting the memory - this person was angry because I wasn't giving into his 'charm', and he wasn't getting his way in the conversation. (For the record, calling a woman a dyke - not charming.)
This led me to think that when I've heard men comment on a woman's sexuality in a negative way (dyke, bitch, lesbo, c-word - sorry, I just can't type that one) - it's usually because she isn't responding to his 'charm', or what he believes is his charm.
It's odd to me, that in this line of reasoning, the woman is disagreeing with the man because she's gay, not because she's um...disagreeing.
And of course, this should serve as a reminder to all of us that strong, ambitious women are not automatically bitches.
The fact that I've only been referred to a dyke once, and a bitch a handful of times is less of a testament to me, and more of a testament to the people that I spend time with.
If I'm being unreasonable - I spend time with people that are invested in me and will call me out on it, in a way that helps us both grow.
Last quick thought - whenever I bump into this guy (you know, the dyke guy) it's the first thing that I remember about him. So people, think before you speak in anger. It's more of a reflection on you than the person you're attacking.
Now - go out of your way to say something kind to someone today! K