The Problem with Referring to Women as “Females”

Summary

The article discusses the negative connotations and dehumanizing implications of referring to women as "females."

Abstract

The article "The Problem with Referring to Women as 'Females'" addresses the issue with the term "females" when used to describe women. It argues that while women are biologically females, using the term in a social context reduces them to their reproductive capabilities and is often derogatory. The author points out that this term can be applied to any species, suggesting a comparison to animals, which is demeaning to women. The article suggests that men, particularly those with a lack of respect for women, often use this term to devalue and objectify them, implying they are replaceable and lack inherent worth. A double standard is noted, as these men would not refer to women they respect, such as their mothers or grandmothers, in this way. The author emphasizes that "female" is not a synonym for "woman" or "lady" and encourages the use of these more respectful terms instead. The article also clarifies that the author is not a feminist but a conservative who values femininity over feminism and does not support the feminist agenda as they see it. The issue is primarily observed within black American culture, where young black men may use the term, and the article notes that it mainly affects black women or those engaging with black culture.

Opinions

Using "females" to refer to women is considered degrading and dehumanizing as it reduces them to their reproductive functions.
The term "females" is seen as derogatory and is often used by individuals who lack respect for women, termed "low-value men" by the author.
There is a double standard in usage; men who would not refer to their mothers or grandmothers as "females" due to respect will use the term for other women.
The author believes that the term "female" strips women of their femininity and value, suggesting they are no more than animals.
The article advocates for the use of "women" or "ladies" as more appropriate and respectful terms.
The author identifies as a conservative and distances themselves from feminism, emphasizing a promotion of femininity over the feminist agenda.
The phenomenon of referring to women as "females" is noted to be particularly prevalent within black American culture, though not exclusive to it.

The Problem with Referring to Women as “Females”

Referring to a women as “females” is a crime that men and women alike have committed. (Okay, maybe that was a bit dramatic.) The problem is not that women are not females. In fact, most women are biological females. The problem, however, is the derogatory way in which the word is used.

People who are not familiar with how this term is used today or people who use this term often may find themselves wondering why in the world it’s offensive. After all, isn’t it just a synonym for “women”?

Let’s start with the dictionary definition of the word “female”.

adjective: of, relating to, or being the sex that typically has the capacity to bear young or produce eggs

noun: an individual of the sex that is typically capable of bearing young or producing eggs

By definition, referring to women as “females” reduces them to their reproductive abilities. That sounds a bit degrading, don’t you think? In addition, a “female” could be anything, not necessarily a human. Your dog might be a female. Do you really want to lump your girlfriend and your dog in the same category?

From my observation, “female” is most often used by low-value men (and women) to debase, devalue, and criticize women. Reducing a woman to the level of an animal is not something that should be normal. Passive aggressively calling a woman a “female” strips her of her value and femininity and sends the message that she is replaceable and unworthy, neither of which are true. The disdainful and misogynistic word communicates the idea that the woman is not the prize and attempts to undermine her self-worth.

I’ve noticed a double-standard surrounding the word. Men who swear up and down that they mean no disrespect by using the word wouldn’t be caught dead referring to their mother or grandmother as a “female”. Why? It’s simple. They probably respect those women. They reserve the derogatory word for other women, perhaps younger women close to their own age, women who’ve rejected them, women who they have contempt for, or women who just simply exist.

Calling women “females” is downright distasteful and un-classy. If you’ve racked your brain but cannot think of another word for this type of species, try “women” or “ladies”. Lucky for you, they’re the same amount of syllables, too!

So, ladies and gents, let’s stop referring to women as “females”. Although the word holds scientific truth, social construction had rendered it a degrading noun, and women deserve more than that.

It’s come to my attention that this article has been circulating around Twitter for the past month or so. Over 50,000 views later, I’ve seen people say really kind things about this article (and me) and really not-so-kind things about this article (and me). I wanted to clarify a few things.

First, I want establish that I am not a feminist, so angry Twitter conservatives can stop calling me one now. I am not a liberal/leftist, either. I am a conservative.

I promote femininity over feminism, and as I stated in this article, part of the reason I have a problem with being referred to as a “female” is that it strips a woman of her femininity. I don’t support or promote the feminist agenda. The agenda of killing the unborn in the name of women’s rights, the agenda of emasculating men, the agenda of encouraging women to be loud and promiscuous. The majority of readers likely haven’t called anyone a female and probably haven’t ever been called a female. If you are not a part of or engaging with black American culture, you probably will never come across this. The only people I’ve heard call women “females” are young, black men, and most of the time the people who have a problem with being called a “female” are black women or women who are engaging with black culture. I don’t mean to point fingers at a particular race — there are people from all races who have called women “females”. However, I just wanted to clarify things for those who were confused. If you are not a young black man, there’s a pretty good chance you haven’t called women “females”. If you haven’t, this article does not apply to you and you can move on with your life. You don’t need to go on Twitter and call me a feminist or liberal, because I’m quite the opposite.