As an intelligent, driven woman, it disgusts me to think how women are discredited by society in the professional field because they are, in fact, women. This reason motivates my call for immediate action beginning with intolerance for the “b word.”
A woman should never be defamed by this name, especially when used to discredit her intelligence or authority. In an article by Debora Spar in The Daily Beast on April 2, “Throw Out That List,” she makes the point that women are scrutinized more than men by both men and women.
Women have been fighting and waiting for equality, working hard to meet higher standards for their overall performance. No one can argue that women are equal to men, when the “b word” is commonly used to discredit them. The behavior is particularly shameful for the high standards society expects of women.
This word should not be tolerated by anyone. It is used to degrade our female colleagues or bosses’ authority and achievements. Our society should be beyond this type of unacceptable discrimination. No more workplace discrimination or “glass ceiling.” It is about time women take a stand, and it starts with women combating this type of language.
Katherine Clausen is a freshman studying communications at Ohio University.
