“Don’t throw like a pussy. Use your whole body.”
I glance up from my punching bag at the man who’s speaking to me. He isn’t my coach, and I have no idea who he is. He looks at me with intensity before delivering a powerful punch to the bag, demonstrating the technique perfectly. The chains rattle.
I steal a sideways glance at him; I want to learn how to strike with full force. But at the same time, I feel a wave of discomfort. That word—pussy—intensifies my feeling of vulnerability. I lower my gloved hands, feeling the weight of the bag still swaying from his hit.
Before I became a mother, I rarely contemplated the connection between my body and the term “pussy”—especially not as a derogatory term meant to undermine a man’s masculinity or to imply a woman’s helplessness. However, giving birth to my daughter opened my eyes to these kinds of slights.
In my experience, I literally pushed a small human through my female anatomy. And contrary to what that word suggests, my body isn’t weak—it’s resilient. Honestly, I could do it again if I chose to. Not to boast, but my body is remarkable, and so is every other body. I challenge anyone to find a part of the human anatomy, male or female, that rivals the strength of a vagina, except perhaps the uterus.
Think about it.
The term “pussy” typically refers to female genitalia—both internal and external—and when used negatively, it implies weakness. This is a classic example of synecdoche, where a part (the pussy) represents the whole (the woman). When that part is associated with powerlessness, it suggests that the whole is equally diminished. It’s crucial to distinguish between anatomy and gender; a vagina does not define womanhood, as there are women without them and men with them. Yet, the derogatory use of “pussy” serves to belittle all women, regardless of anatomy.
Giving birth is undeniably one of the most challenging tasks a body can undertake. While I hear about women “voting with their vaginas,” which also sounds significant, I digress. Bringing a child into this world is an extraordinary feat of strength, endurance, and love.
In that moment, when my daughter was born, I felt an unparalleled sense of strength. It was a time when I accomplished something that seemed utterly impossible, driven only by sheer will and biology. On that same day, over 300,000 women around the globe were doing the same incredible thing, many of them also utilizing their vaginas.
Truly astounding.
I would never equate motherhood with womanhood, nor would I minimize the various ways to become a mother that don’t involve childbirth. Let’s set aside birth for now; after all, a vagina is capable of so much more—everything from pleasure to strength, love, and even pain.
It seems that the extraordinary strength of female anatomy is a constant focal point for attempts to undermine, distort, legislate, and appropriate this power. Whether through depictions of women in labor begging for medication, discussions about what parts of women’s bodies are acceptable to show (essentially, male pleasure is good, while nursing a baby is bad), or efforts to restrict access to birth control and safe abortion—women’s power is perpetually challenged.
It’s also visible in the unfortunate reality that many women face abuse from those who claim to love them. Or that societal notions of female purity still lead to dire consequences—both figuratively and literally. Young women are often taught to avoid sexual violence, while young men are rarely educated about consent.
Women’s strength requires constant vigilance and resilience. For me, it all crystallizes around that seemingly simple insult: “Pussy. Don’t be a pussy.”
Now, I won’t stoop to disparaging male anatomy because I appreciate it too. While it may not compare to a vagina, it’s still impressive. I believe all our bodies are incredible and capable of remarkable things. Each deserves recognition.
I needn’t belittle anyone else to claim my strength.
So, shaking off the man’s words, I turn back to my punching bag. I raise my gloves and hit the bag with renewed focus. My hair clings to the sweat on my chest and back as I repeat the routine: One, two, slip, two, body, body. I feel a fingernail crack within my glove but continue to swing.
Over and over, I remind myself: Swing harder. Hit. Hit like a pussy.
This article originally appeared on August 11, 2023. For more insights on motherhood and the journey of parenting, check out this related article. And if you’re considering at-home options, you can find quality insemination kits from this reputable retailer. For a comprehensive resource on pregnancy and home insemination, visit IVF Babble.
Summary
It’s time to redefine the term “pussy,” moving away from its derogatory usage and acknowledging the strength and resilience of female anatomy. From childbirth to everyday challenges, women’s bodies are extraordinary. This reflection emphasizes the need to embrace our strength without diminishing others, reclaiming the narrative around our bodies.
Leave a Reply