Thursday, January 4, 2007
A handful of readers are taking issue with our name. (Taking issue? Who am I kidding? They HATE it!) "We are not 'girls,'" they say. "We've earned the right to be called 'women.'"
They've got a point, of course. Who among us doesn't bristle when called "girl" by a male colleague in the office or a construction worker on the street? It's inappropriate, demeaning and it ticks us off.
On the other hand, I think there's a lot to be said for context.
We ran the name by a LOT of women. The majority of them agreed that, in the context of this Web site - where we're clearly equals and "all in this together" — "girl" is a term of endearment and affection, as in a "it's a girl thing" or "night out with the girls." Many thought the name sounded powerful, cool and young at heart.
I hope BoomerGirl.com can be the kind of place where women come together as friends, support each other with good information and advice, and relate to each other as equals. Yes, we've earned the right to be called "women." But, at least for me, I didn't come all this way to take myself so seriously.
There are 41 million boomer girls in the United States, each with a different and strong viewpoint. We'll never be able to please 'em all. But, as we move forward, I hope to count each one you among my girlfriends. And, as always, I welcome your thoughts ...
Comments
Syzygy (anonymous) says...
"Hi," from the newest new girl on the block.
You are dancing with one of my cherished beliefs: that context is everything. Most women and a lot of men (they know who they are) can call me "girl" with impunity. When I married a much younger man, I preened to hear my friends declare, "You go, girl!!" (Or would that be "grrrrrl"?)
I actually think it quaintly sweet when someone my elder (of either sex) refers to my friends and me as "you girls." I don't mind if someone uses the term out of innocence or ignorance--because, for instance, they were never told it could be insulting.
But woe to the person who uses the term in an intentionally condescending way or as a misguided means of claiming higher social rank. Not a good idea, as they will soon find out. For me, the person's intentions (which serve as context) are of paramount importance.
I have friends who won't give an inch to the hapless souls who can plead ignorance, but I'm more easygoing. If someone means well (or is clever enough to convince me he does), I have no beef. I'm not looking for reasons to be offended.
January 4, 2007 at 12:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cathy (cathy) says...
Thanks for that, Sygyzy, and welcome to the site. You write really well.
It's obviously a matter of perspective, one that isn't shared by all. I just got an email minutes ago from an irate 30-year-old who called the name insulting and patronizing. I might have done the same when I was 30. Things were more black and white then. Now, there's a LOT more gray... : )
January 4, 2007 at 1:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Syzygy (anonymous) says...
(smile) Good one!
People are endlessly fascinating, aren't they? I'm always surprised by what does or does not offend or irritate someone.
Thanks for this space. I look forward to getting to know it, and you, better.
As boomers go, I'm a commoner, hailing from 1957--the year births peaked, if statistics are correct. I think it's also on the downward slope of the entire range of boom years. A lot of my boomer friends are old enough to actually remember the 50s, which I do not. But I still feel superior to my husband and many of our friends, who completely MISSED the 60s. Imagine.
January 4, 2007 at 2:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cathy (cathy) says...
I pride myself on my spelling but I really botched your user name, didn't I? Sorry about that.
You ARE at the peak of the boom. More folks born in 1957 than any other year... which means there'll be a whole lot of "Big 5-0" birthday parties happening in 2007!
We should have an online birthday bash on BG.com for every one of them, complete with gift registration. Hmmmm......
January 4, 2007 at 4:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Syzygy (anonymous) says...
A big ongoing 5-0 partay sounds delightful. We can stretch it out all year. Those who have already hit 50 can hit it again so they don't miss out on the bash.
Syzygy is just a fun word, no matter how you spell it. I'd like to claim that I learned it during graduate studies in astrophysical science but I really discovered it in the dictionary, en route to something much less interesting. I was enchanted by the word and the image it conjured and have used it ever since. (Check your email for an e.g. of my past appropriation of the word..)
Anyway... Stay with the online birthday bash, okay? After all, everyone knows that boomers discovered partying... just like we discovered rock 'n roll... and sex... and navel contemplation... and EVERYthing that makes life grand.
January 4, 2007 at 11:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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