In an interview she gave to the Daily Mail this weekend, Drew Barrymore was asked about the lack of good movie roles for women over 40. Drew opined:
‘I admit I’ve been fortunate. I’m not at that place yet, age-wise, and maybe when I am I’ll feel that way. But I think, “Get over it! Don’t be bitter and complainy! Figure out something else to do with your life.” It sucks that it’s sexist, and it sucks that it’s not often the case for men, but you don’t have to sit on the couch and be angry that you’re not getting roles.
“Bitter” is a favorite put-down for Drew. Elsewhere in the interview, she observes “I just find bitter people really un-fun, you know.” Got that? Women who protest ageism and objectification in Hollywood are just “bitter”, “complainy” and need to “get over it.” It’s the trifecta of chauvinist dismissal! Thanks, Drew!
In a Jezebel comment thread about the interview, a commenter observed: “I feel about the word “bitter” much the same way I feel about the world “nag.” Another chimed in: Yes, and “shrill”. Not my favorite words.
Sing it, sisters! After reading the Rupert Myers op-ed yesterday, I’ll add: “indignant” to the list, as in “indignant feminists.” It’s such a drag when people—read: women—are indignant, bitter, shrill or nagging! Why can’t we just shut up and accept the way things are?
Any loaded words/phrases you bitter harpies would like to be shrill, indignant or complainy about? Nag away in the comments….
Thanks Becky… :O)
Also, what I meant to say is that hearing the Jethro Tull song as a kid is what pretty much permanently turned me off to the word panties…
I’m with Cat on ‘cute’. There are maybe 5 people on earth who can call me cute, and that is because when they say it, it is in reference to my doing things I would not do in front of anyone but them. In any other context, it makes my blood boil.
I also hate the word ‘pussy’ because it seems just as infantilizing (though the etymology isn’t), and despite attempts at reclamation, I don’t think ‘slut’ is particularly great either.
I’m really old, in my day it was broads and chicks. Funny nobody’s mentioned girls. I personally am tired of DUDES for men but that won’t fly here prolly
@Joe – does it help when we spell it “doodz”?
@Becky – I’m a big fan of “drawers” (completely gender neutral!), but I also like underpants and chonies.
@Joe – does it help when we spell it “doodz”?
Better than Nigel, although I learned this actually stood for ‘nicest guy who ever lived’, thas alrighty!
Just chiming in on the “panties” connundrum—I have always used the word “gunders”, because the garment GOES UNDER the clothes (G’under). Also sounds more gener-neutral, unlike the precious, slightly creepy and infantilizing “panties”.