Why do people dismiss “bitch” as “just an insult” when it targets women specifically?
Recently, someone posted asking whether they were overreacting for feeling incredibly upset when hearing people, especially men, use the word “bitch” to insult women. They said it feels like a slur to them, but they hesitate to call it one because they worry that doing so could minimize the experiences of POC, LGBTQ+, and other minority groups who are targeted by more widely recognized slurs.
Personally, I think that concern makes sense, but I also think it is important to recognize that women are an oppressed group as well. From an intersectional lens, I believe “bitch” can absolutely function as a slur directed at women, and that it disproportionately affects women who are also POC or LGBTQ+.
Misogyny is so normalized that many people do not recognize misogynistic insults as slurs or hate speech, whereas racist or homophobic slurs are more widely recognized as unacceptable, even though all of these forms of language can reinforce oppression against marginalized groups.
I know a lot of people would argue that “bitch” is not a slur, and I understand why there is debate around that. But I am interested in hearing what others think. Is it fair or reasonable to consider it a slur, or not?