I got accused of being a sexist on this board. . .

[SammyBlue]

I asked the question "When did the MSM develop testicles" in their handling of the Katrina fiasco.

One member accused me of being a sexist for not using a more "gender inclusive cliche." And my discussion got locked. This is the first time this has happened to me. I didn't say anything negative about a woman, I asked a metaphorical question

I guess everyone's a sexist who uses phrases like "You need to get some balls" or "Time to sack up and win."

Anyone think that way and use phrases like that?

[Lars39]

1. The phrase is inherantly negative towards women

because it infers that a woman cannot be courageous because she lacks the "right equipment", ie she's not a man.

[BikeWriter]

2. 10, 9, 8...

[bridgit]

3. 7, 6, 5...

[BikeWriter]

6. 4, 3, 2, 1...

[skygazer]

4. It's like accusing someone of "throwing like a girl"

which implies, of course, that a girl can't throw. Using "balls" for guts implies that women have none.

It shouldn't be THAT difficult to figure out.

[petronius]

5. I use phrases like that in some circumstances

For instance, if I'm talking to guys only, in a sports context for example. And it is impossible to eliminate every possible source of offense in real conversation. I'd probably rank your comments near the bottom of the offensiveness scale, but many of the MSM (and DUers) are women - and to equate courage with the possession of testicles by definition excludes those who are biologically denied the joys of testicle ownership...

All in all, it does seem courteous to remember that DU is an extremely public arena, and I try not to say anything that I wouldn't say in front of a lecture hall full of strangers. Your phrases have simple substitutes (e.g. "grow a spine") which eliminate the possible offense.

[The empressof all]

7. locking

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