Gross summary

In Beverly Gross’ “Bitch”, the word is presented in different scenarios in which the meaning differs.  The word has changed from being used in sexual contexts to situations that display the power of women.  Also, there are two responses in which women can react when they are called one.  The common definition according to various dictionaries is “a malicious or treacherous woman” (77).  In today’s society, the word is used when a woman is complaining or annoying.  If it is used on the streets, the meaning of the word is the same as when used in the past:  “a female breeder” (83).  Black females are not offended, but feel honored by the attention.  If a regular schoolboy called a girl one, she would get offended.  The feeling is more of hurt than of appreciation.  Madonna does not care when she is called one, but instead, she embraces the power.  In another instance, men call women bitches when they feel threatened.  This comes from the “male-female nexus” which indicates that a woman should be submissive (80).  This word can either signify a woman’s power or describe her annoyance.  In any case, different women consider the word in different ways.

I do not like how profanity has become to be used in regular conversation.  Because I do not curse, I feel like cursing someone off is the biggest insult.  Even though I did not like reading this, I thought it was interesting how Gross mentioned that men use the word in a fearful way because I always see profanity as insults.  Although this piece is dated 1938, I think that the meanings are still true today.