Comments on: “I am a feedback… investment banker?” On language, kyriarchy, and problematic metaphors

By: Elaine

Elaine — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 05:04:02 +0000

Old post here, I know, but in reading this I noted further that the use of “whore” in this kind of context contributes to the often inaccurate notion that prostitutes become prostitutes out of desire for sex and the general misunderstanding around the whys of sex work.

By: Say Something Good « Raising My Boychick

Say Something Good « Raising My Boychick — Tue, 11 May 2010 08:13:48 +0000

[...] "I am a feedback… investment banker?" On language, kyriarchy, and problematic metaphors [...]

By: Zoey @ Good Goog

Zoey @ Good Goog — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:10:42 +0000

I agree Summer! As someone who used to work in drug and alcohol rehabilitation I have a problem with the use of the word junkie. It is really loaded, dehumanising and often used to reduce people to the same level as refuse.

By: Summer

Summer — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:40:38 +0000

I was thinking about this more today, and i totally admit it was because we were watching some Bugs Bunny cartoon with the big hairy monster thing. The ones that grabs the duck, hugs it close, and starts petting it saying “I’ll love it, and hug it, and call it George.” Anyway, how about lover? I’m a comment lover. It could be used as both lover – sexy fun times, and lover – love it and hug it and keep it forever.

By: Summer

Summer — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:37:28 +0000

Just the term really, a lot of addiction metaphors are perfect. And, like I said, the wood addict doesn’t bug me. But “junkie” is like nails on a chalkboard to me.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:26:56 +0000

“Transaction” is my new favorite word. “I seek comment transactions” kinda works.

Many of us participate in transactions to get what we need and want.

By: Arwyn

Arwyn — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:21:12 +0000

Thank you Summer. That confirms some of my suspicions about that word.

Do you find addiction metaphors in general problematic, or is it just that term?

By: Summer

Summer — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 07:02:47 +0000

This is completely my personal issue, but I have more of an issue with “junkie” than “whore”. Mostly because I am an ex-junkie so seeing it tossed lightly sometimes makes me feel cold. Addict bothers me much less though, so go figure.

By: Arwyn

Arwyn — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 03:29:06 +0000

I adore “sex enthusiast”. Oh yes. (Yes yes yes! even.)

The problem with “correcting” the use of whore though is that unless it’s a word a sex worker claims for her- or himself, my guess is it’s enough of a pejorative that it shouldn’t be used by anyone else for them. That is, it’d be like protesting the use of “dyke” against a butch woman by saying “only if she sleeps with women”. It’s saying it’d be OK to call sex workers that, and I don’t think it is. (But, again, I don’t actually know that, and I don’t presume to speak for them. I would just prefer to err on the side of caution when it comes to charged words.)

By: Arwyn

Arwyn — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 03:22:24 +0000

I like that — not as funny/witty, but also not at all problematical. (Both you and The Nerd posted that suggestion at the same time!) Thank you.