Calling all bitches

[yardwork]

Obligatory disclaimer: As a lesbian in the Crone phase of my life, I wholeheartedly embrace the term "bitch" as a retaking and female empowering of a term used by the patriarchy to put down women. I am activating my bitch power. Please read on. If you disagree, argue here.

Edit to clarify that men and everyone else are welcome to join, too. Not reserved for women. Bitches unite and let's kick some ass!

Regarding this crisis: I've noticed that people who want power over others focus on that one goal. They aren't distracted by other issues, such as questioning themselves, worrying about how others feel, etc. This is how they build power. Everybody else is trying to live their lives, with a complicated mix of feelings and goals. The bullies take advantage of that. Nice people try to see the good in everyone, assume everyone is acting in good faith, and they don't like to make judgments. They try to figure out what's going on and want to believe everyone is being sincere. This gives bullies all the power.

It takes a lot of courage for nice people to stand up and do or say something that seems "not nice." Like, calling somebody a liar. It's hard for a lot of people.

I'm beginning to see a natural role for bitches like me during this crisis. I'm not a particularly nice person. I don't mind calling people liars.

Hmmmm....

[Wicked Blue]

1. You rang?

Certified bitch reporting for duty.

[yardwork]

2. Thank you! Cmon in.

[calimary]

81. Ready when you are, C. B. (Certified Bitch)!

Signed,

ANOTHER C.B. (Certified Bitch)!

[MineralMan]

3. You have every right to use that noun to refer to yourself.

I do not, so I don't use it. Sometimes it is who is saying something that is the important thing.

Stuff isn't simple.

[yardwork]

4. You've always come across as a very nice person.

This particular role might not be a natural fit for you. However, I know you are a staunch ally.

[MuseRider]

5. I have not learned about

the Crone phase of my life but at 71 you can bet I feel it. I have never been fond of the word bitch but I can let that go as well although I doubt I ever use it much. It is surely effective. Having been called that as a child it is a bit hard to let go.

That said, I fit right in. I stopped worrying about what anyone thought a long while ago. They can go fuck themselves while they exercise their own right to be silly about the words, like me.

I have been told lately that I used to be nicer, lol. I KNOW that for the first part and for the second thought...so?

I hear there are books about being a Crone. I really should read them, it seems there is much more I am missing out on. Thanks for this post, time to think. I would hate to miss the fun.

[SheltieLover]

8. Jean Shinoda Bolen, psychiatrist & Jungian Analyst has You Tube videos

& has written exceptional books on the crone stage of life.

Enjoy!

[MuseRider]

15. Ooooo thank you.

I think I may listen to the videos while cleaning my horse stalls then watch later so it will set in. I can't wait to start it. Thank you so much.

[SheltieLover]

32. You are most welcome!

[wordstroken]

34. Really appreciate your reference to Jean Shinoda Bolen, SheltieLover. Will definitely check out her books and videos.

[slightlv]

88. Jungian analyst, yes! Jungian psychology... with it's archetypes

is a wonderful place to start. So is a book called "Wild Witches Don't get the Blues." It's all about us who reclaim the words witch AND bitch. My group has never used the word in anger towards others, but we do banter it back and forth among ourselves... like a "secret" handshake.

Count me as a CBW, then! And I am VERY familiar with this crone phase... and not particularly liking how my body is responding to it. (sigh) For me, it's been when my mind and soul tingle with the excitement of a fire dance, and my body is going "What in the HELL were you thinking!" (LOL)

Good to meet you, sister bitches! When we get done finishing off trump and his coterie of cowardly billionaires, we can band together and bury patriarchy once and for all!

[electric_blue68]

91. Ah, I've heard that name. Might investigate. 👍

[haele]

16. Momma dogs run their packs, not just protect puppies.

Personally, I've the opinion from observation that dogs tend to be matriarchal - having grown up and later had both female and male dogs in various households, I've noticed that unless the crazy has been instilled into them, male dogs will tend to defer more than female dogs will, and female dogs tend to be more independent.

[yardwork]

19. I don't use the term much myself.

But these are unusual times.

In terms of being a crone, I'm happy to share what I know. Some people follow a spiritual path that involves what they call a triple goddess. I find this to be a very useful metaphor. There is one's "maiden" phase of life (comparable to being young, the springtime of life, seeking to grow, questioning things, taking it all in). Next there's the mother phase, comparable to summer/early autumn, when we take on lots of responsibilities, care for children and others, build wisdom. It's a nurturing phase of life. Then, if we're lucky to live long enough, we reach old age. Some people call this the crone phase (taking back another word that has been used to put women down).

Crones are the elders. We're the old women who have experienced things and now we have information to share. We no longer give a damn. We're not pretty anymore. We aren't nice. We tell it as we see it.

Everyone is welcome. It's not reserved for women but we're not taking any shit, either.

Thank you. Cmon in.

[mwmisses4289]

38. There is a fourth phase that rarely gets mentioned

The warrior. Think Boudicca, the Greek Amazons, the various warrior Goddesses from around the world. Certainly can use their energy for this fight.

[yardwork]

46. My wife is a warrior.

[txwhitedove]

60. One easy marker for Crone Phase is your beauty mark now grows a hair, like witches in

Disney movies, much to my dismay.

[yardwork]

65. Hair in all the wrong places!

Missing from places where it's wanted, showing up uninvited everywhere else!

[Paladin]

6. Democrats have been way too nice, for way too long.

This old guy appreciates your bitchiness. Your timing is impeccable.

[yardwork]

20. Thank you! Welcome.

[electric_blue68]

92. This Dem has made letter paper size signs for several Presidential Elections that were Decidedly Assertive, even a bit..

Edgy; that I taped up in my then current neighborhood, and around the Columbia U, and NYU U areas.

[Maru Kitteh]

7. How may I provide assistance?

I’m ALL IN.

[SheilaAnn]

18. I'm originally from Jersey and my DNA is aligned with yours

[yardwork]

24. I'm from Ohio. Sisters!

[Maru Kitteh]

86. It's like a really outstanding hall of mirrors in here!

[yardwork]

23. Thank you! Cmon in.

[gulliver]

10. Be disagreeable

It couldn't be more needed. The key thing is to disagree, feel irritated, but remain engaged. The water sometimes has to get pretty hot, but you have to stay in it. That heat is what creates learning and dispels laziness and robotic thinking.

[gulliver]

17. That's a terrible question

And I disagree with your premise.

[yardwork]

26. See how easy this is?!

I love it!

[SheltieLover]

39. As easy as me deleting my posts to your thread & engaging full ignore.

See ya

[yardwork]

61. Well, I guess you won't see this.

I'm so sorry that this light hearted exchange was misunderstood, and that you were hurt or offended.

I assure you that that was the opposite of what I intended. I thought we were all in on the joke.

I realize these are difficult times and I understand how things can hit wrong. I hope you'll reconsider.

[SheltieLover]

36. Seriously? In this political climate?

[yardwork]

49. I think that was a light-hearted joke!

I'm so sorry that you felt attacked. I think that post was meant as a lighthearted play on words. My response was certainly meant that way.

I'm really sorry that that was misunderstood. I was enjoying and applauding your posts.

[gulliver]

56. Joking!

[sheshe2]

11. Count me in.

[Swede]

13. Democracies depend on the goodwill of the folks that reach the top.

These rightwingers have no goodwill. It's all about "what's in it for me?"

Sternly written letters of protest are like screaming into the void with these punks. It's time to get into some good trouble.

[yardwork]

25. Good trouble.

[mopinko]

14. ✋🏼✋🏼✋🏼

i have a tat, featuring my avatar, that says- you say i’m a bitch like it’s a bad thing.

it’s a button i used to make. they r treasured keepsakes now for many of my friends.
yea, i travel in the right circles.

there’s great power in being completely out of fucks. and i think the whole world’s supply of fucks is about played out.

[live love laugh]

43. "Faith over fear" is my new/only tat in reaction to what we're all experiencing.

[mopinko]

44. yeah. i'm starting to feel some ink comin on.

[kimbutgar]

21. I went to an all girls school in high school and I experienced so many bitches I am able to turn on bitchiness

When necessary!

[Mister Ed]

22. Crone commanders of the Gray Panther Army, I salute you.

[Maeve]

27. I prefer old broad, but to each their own...

Have to go look up time/place for this week's protests in my area...

[yardwork]

28. Exactly! We're not going to waste time arguing about terminology.

Whatever we call ourselves, it's time to get to work.

Welcome!

[BattleRow]

82. I've always wondered...

What is the terminology for a male crone..or old hag?

I just questioned a friend of mine just a couple of days ago about this ....

[Duncan Grant]

29. ACT UP? Bitches.

Larry Kramer? Bitch.

Support bitches. They don’t believe in propriety.

[yardwork]

50. Hell yes!

[NewLarry]

30. Kick some ass

and take some names!!!

[Ocelot II]

31. I could be called a disagreeable old bat, hag, witch or whatever,

and I've never cared much for "bitch" as an epithet wielded by the patriarchy, but I'll take it as an honorific under the circumstances. And right now I am inclined to be as disagreeable as needs be. Count me in.

[Joinfortmill]

33. I like it

[Talitha]

35. I'm in....

Being
In
Total
Control of
Herself

[live love laugh]

45. Love it! (the acronym)

[mcar]

74. Love this!

[Wild blueberry]

37. Northern Wisconsin delegation reporting for duty!

Nicely ripened curmudgeon with no more fucks to give and her dog ready, willing, and able to fight fascism.
Let's roll!

[Behind the Aegis]

40. yoo hoo! Over here, y'all!

You know I got your back! We gots to stick together. Y'all were there when I was coming out and during the AIDS crisis. Y'all were there when we needed you most.

You, personally, have been a ray of light in a very dark two years here.

As a fun aside, I find the crone label interesting because for the longest time, I thought you were much younger than me. I'll be 56 in a month! Like you, I have been known to transcend "niceness" from time to time. I know, shocker!

we must become a Bad-ass Indestructible Tenacious Courageous Hand ready to strike at any who stand in our way!

[niyad]

99. I LOVE your acronym. Stealing it!!!

This CRONE thanks you for your loving support.

[Martin Eden]

41. Do NOT quitcher bitchin!!!

It's YUGE mistake to underestimate the POWER of angry women.

[mwmisses4289]

42. Smile when you call me bitch.

[Vinca]

47. I'm in agreement! One of the benefits of old age is you can say what you want to say and not

give a damn what anyone thinks. I'm definitely a member of the bitch brigade. Not to my husband, of course. He's only subject to my never-ending political bitching.

[hamsterjill]

48. Reporting for duty.

I am, like you, in the "Crone" phase of my life and stopped giving a fuck a long time ago. I'm already the "bitch" in a lot of Republican family and friends circle and that is growing. I speak up when I have the opportunity and call out the bullshit when I see it.

Our generation grew up in a different time with different attitudes, and I believe we know more about what's at stake, especially for women. I didn't back down before, and I will not back down now.

He's just one man. Every way you look at it, it still comes back to that. We can do this.

[al bupp]

51. As an older white male...

I say "hell, yeah" to this thread, and quoting a talented and intelligent woman, "it's about damn time"!

[Solly Mack]

52. :)

[FoxNewsSucks]

53. If you need any help from a grumpy fed-up old asshole,

I'll be right here, just let me know!

[twodogsbarking]

54. In the right context I can approve. It is a word I avoid.

[yardwork]

62. Generally I do too. But these are unusual times.

Time to get radical.

[highplainsdem]

55. I have been called a bitch at times, and I'll usually point out that when the word is used by men upset

with a woman, it means "tough and smart."

My hero when I was young was Emma Peel (The Avengers). Tough and smart. Able to take care of herself and protect/rescue others. I admired her so much I wanted to work for the CIA and applied to and was offered a full scholarship to an East Coast university the CIA was known to recruit from, only to have that plan smashed when my dad decided he could stop paying child support for my younger siblings, so going to a local university and working full or part time all the while in school even with a Regents scholarship suddenly became necessary. Bitches WILL look out for younger siblings. And btw, I really admire Queen Latifah kicking ass as The Equalizer, too.

We are not kicking ass physically these days. At least not usually. Most of the fights are debates, and I have debate experience going back decades in school and online. My first two years online were spent moderating a forum on foreign affairs and technology where my main troll problem was a bestselling writer with RW political connections who was an advocate for a GOP policy I opposed. He lost so many debates he tried to get me kicked off, and he whined about the unfairness of real-time discussions with "trained debaters." He had his own forum, didn't have to get into debates in mine, but wouldn't stop trying...though he announced he was quitting and then returned so often we used to joke that he was stuck in a revolving door.

These days it can be harder to get RWers you want to debate with to continue discussions...though if you can, it's usually pretty easy to take their illogical arguments apart. And it doesn't require shouting, or swearing. Just cold logic.

As Kamala Harris showed everyone last fall. As HRC showed everyone when she also took Trump's arguments apart.

Misogynists still called them bitches because they were tough and smart. And misogynists hated them for that.

Bitches are never going to win the misogynist vote (unless you count wannabe smart but stupid misogynist-friendly monsters like Bondi, Noem, Greene and Boebert).

But we can show the misogynists and authoritarians for the weak fools they are. We can empower women. We can open the eyes of anyone undecided or uncommitted whose eyes aren't superglued shut.

We can fight, in any way necessary. And will.

[yardwork]

63. I love this.

I also recognize and honor that others won't agree. We need their skills, too.

I just had an epiphany today that I'm not very good at being "nice" - never have been - and that I can channel that strategically. It doesn't bother me to say out loud "you're lying."

That's not always the right or helpful thing to do but it might be very helpful right around now.

[highplainsdem]

70. Thanks! And there's nothing at all wrong with saying someone's lying. Especially when you can

back it up if you get a chance to explain. Though with MAGAts, they might just be misinformed. In which case it's best to tell them so (don't let them off the hook, as too many journalists do), but do explain WHY they're wrong.

And always call out the liars you're sure are lying. We know how much those liars hate being fact-checked.

[William769]

57. We would be nothing without you all.

I love every last one off you.

[yardwork]

64. Oh, Bill!

You are so loved!

[Timeflyer]

58. Yes, dear fellow bitch. Using my post-menopausal venom to protect democracy.

[Sun-Moon]

59. Bitches unite and let's kick some ass!

Bitches, Warriors, Defenders of Democracy-however you identify yourself - we all stand together!

[Nigrum Cattus]

66. Blessed Be

[GoCubsGo]

67. Count me in.

Especially if you don't mind the foul-mouthed version. I consider being called a "bitch" an badge of honor, btw.

[Bluethroughu]

68. I used to try to reason or explain differences or facts.

Now, I've kept my distance, because I've gone to the Straight to the point theory. I'm assertive when I use this method, not mean yet, but I do get more loud as the bully starts their act. They've always backed down or walked away.

It gives them something to think about later, maybe they rethink their sources? Maybe not.
I'm no longer shugging it all away, they don't understand that.

[Silver Gaia]

69. Answering your call...

I have a necklace that spells out BITCH in rhinestones. It hangs on a hook above my nightstand where I can see it to remind myself every night that, along with "witch," I proudly reclaimed "bitch" years ago. So, yeah, I'm here!

[MLAA]

71. I've never been a bitch, but I'm a quick learner! Onward and bitchward we go!

[GenThePerservering]

72. A while ago some guy muttered "Bitch!" at me

for some trivial reason I don't remember now. I replied "You say that like it's a bad thing!" It just popped out and surprised the heck out of me. He pouted manfully (and typically - do some of them ever grow up).

So I've remembered that.

[AllaN01Bear]

73. howdi

heart this thread.

[mcar]

75. I'm in

Prefer "old broad" as someone else said, but that's just semantics and nostalgia.*

I'm a fierce Nana working my saggy butt off to restore rights to my 4 YO and 1 YO grandgirls!

*When hubby and I married 40 years ago, my parents threw a blow-out wedding reception. The adult beverages were flowing.

At the end of the evening, my older brother went to help an elderly aunt. She was sitting in a chair, tipsy and crying about how much time had passed. "I'm an old broad," she said. It's now my sister's and my mantra.

[stillcool]

76. ya know...I've always went with the flow

fight or flight, I flew. For the first time in my live I am truly all alone, and I would like nothing better to let my bitchy fly free. I know I have it in me. Fear is the only thing that stands in my way. Always has. I consider my inner bitchy to be a higher calling.

[yardwork]

77. We used to say let your freak flag fly.

[stillcool]

78. inexplicable, but

this entire thread brings tears to my eyes. Not sad, more bittersweet with a tinge of hope thanks

[58Sunliner]

79. LOL. Move over and make room. This bitch is taking up her post.

No more fucks to give. I do however make an effort to be nice to people I come into contact with, as a smile can be healing. It's the one small thing I can do consistently in all this ugliness. Unless, of course, it's the guy from the valet parking at the hospital entrance who tried to tell me 3 times to move my car when I was waiting for a friend who was being discharged. I was there 3 minutes and the whole time he kept telling me to circle the entrance. I told him I was picking up a patient and would not move. WTF. I was so mad I flipped him off.

[Trueblue Texan]

80. I do try to be a nice person...

...most of the time. But I'm not shy about bringing out my EXCELLENT bitch skills if the situation calls for it. And yes, I've never needed them more than these days.Too many lying liars spreading lies.

[niyad]

83. Right there with you. As I have been saying to people for decades, "you

say "Bitch" like it's a bad thing."

[JohnnyRingo]

84. I've never heard anyone call a woman an asshole.

I always thought the two were gender specific., but I do what I can not to offend people.
I'll still call my exes what fits, but I can be such an asshole at times. haha

[TygrBright]

85. Yanno, Black people did not love the "N" word, and gay people didn't like "queer" but they got creative with it...

...and while I do not love the Patriarchy and its attempts to use words to subjugate us, I do understand the potential power of co-opting ownership of such words.

There are three definitions of the word "bitch":

1. The literal - a female domesticated canid;
2. The pejorative - a woman whose qualities of speech, action, or appearance make others uncomfortable and who therefore must be likened to a female domesticated canid as an indication of disapproval; and
3. The metaphorical - a woman whose qualities of speech, action, or appearance make patriarchal assholes uncomfortable.

I choose to embrace definition #3 and I plan on OWNING that bitch and making it THE definition.

bitchily,
Bright

[Ilsa]

87. Reporting in, but I may not be good at this yet. BTW,

have you seen the movie Night Bitch starring Amy Adams and Scoot McNairy? I really enjoyed it.

[GemDigger]

89. Well then... my son calls me "the psycho bitch from hell"

I think i fit the bill. I just sat for a second from working on my sign and saw the call.

I have so many things to bitch about that I am thinking of making a wearable, reversible sandwich board so I could have a total of 4. I would love to tell them all to fuck off and die but there may be kids there.

[electric_blue68]

90. I'll catch all the replys after... Oh, I AM a Nice Person, but Not "SO nice" as to not Not Counter Nastiness often...

... enough. (I think I got that double negative right! 😄 )

Oh, yeah, I hate bullies! Repeat offenders!

Yeah, I probably have mildly bullied a person, or two less than a handful [?2-3] of times for someone over 70 yrs old (as in it's very rare for a two yr old to bully?) I'm 72 not ever a month yet.

Anyway... unless someone does something egregious right off, I might withhold judgement briefly, and see how more actions ftom X person unfold.

But I don't have any problem calling someone a liar, or worse if warranted. Yup!

[electric_blue68]

93. Actually I'm not sure about the Bitch word...I think I think it too much, rarely say it out loud....

I think it against Republican women politicians doing nasty, to terrible things!

Although I agree with those definition #2 & #3, posted.
Yeah, seriously patriarchal men lash out with the "B" word very easily.

I forgot a point, oh well, I'll add it later if I remember.
Oh, well, I am a nice person, and I can be nasty, if I think it's necessary. I rarely have a problem, and I can have, as they say, "a mouth" on me. 😄👍

[yardwork]

95. Welcome! C'mom in.

You can call yourself anything you want. No requirements here except to push beck on Trumpism.

[Permanut]

94. What a great post..

This 79 year old straight male is delighted to be your ally . My dear Sister, who was out and proud for most of her 77 years, would be honored to stand with you

Rock on, yardwork.

[yardwork]

96. Thank you.

I'm sorry for your loss. I would have liked to have met your sister.

[niyad]

97. "Im A Great Americn Bitch" is a wonderful song in "SUFFS", the Broadway

play about the American wonen's suffrage movement. One of my favourites.

[yardwork]

98. I didn't know that!

[niyad]

102. You can google it and watch the clip. Guaranteed mood-lifter.

[niyad]

100. Bitch. Crone. Hag. Virago. Harridan. Harpy. *C***.

All of these words were originally titles of various Goddesses or other powerful female figures, and then twisted by the patriarchy. I reclaim them all, proudly.

The last time some jerk called me a C*** (I realize many are not comfortable with this word), I gushed on and on about it being a title of the Goddess, how honoured I was, and how I had no idea that he thought so highly of me. The look of confusion on his face was delicious. I am guessing he has never used that word again.

[niyad]

101. RECLAIMING our names!!!

[DinahMoeHum]

103. Boys, I'm Taking Charge Here

. . .what the "B-word" is acronym for.

[Bayard]

104. I am a ROB

Rotten Old Bitch. I even have the t-shirt, "When I get up in the morning the Devil says--Oh crap, she's up."

Power on, sisters! We have a country to save!