The actress advocates for more empowering language when it comes to describing women.
“I am woman, hear me roar.” This classic declaration loses its strength when we swap “woman” for “girl.” The term “woman” embodies power and strength, yet we constantly hear adult women referred to as “girls,” and actress Mayim Bialik is done with it.
In a recent video shared on her Facebook, the star of The Big Bang Theory and Blossom explained why labeling adult women as “girls” can have negative implications. “Because it matters what we call people. Language matters. Words have meaning (…) Language sets expectation,” Bialik expressed.
Her video has garnered over 3.5 million views, addressing the serious issue of how terminology can shape perceptions. “When we use words to describe adult women that are typically meant for children, it alters how we perceive women—often subconsciously—leading us to not equate them with adult men,” she observed. “It implies inferiority to men.”
“We never call men boys because it’s demeaning and emasculating.” Exactly.
The term “girl” is frequently used to undermine women, suggesting they are dependent or incapable. While it’s true that we sometimes call men “boys,” it doesn’t carry the same connotations. Phrases like “boys will be boys” often excuse behaviors and affirm their masculinity, while using “boy” to refer to an adult male is seen as an insult. The same should apply to “girl.”
Bialik acknowledges that some women don’t mind the term and may accept the idea that men hold the superior position. “We start to believe that the way things are is the way they have to be,” she cautions. However, she emphasizes that the language we use reinforces a hierarchy where men are placed above women. “If we start using language that elevates women and distances them from childish descriptors, we may begin to treat them with the respect they deserve,” she suggests.
In a humorous twist, Bialik shares indicators that distinguish a woman from a girl. “Signs that someone is indeed a woman include having a high school diploma, a job, paying for their own car insurance, a mortgage, or even a 401K,” she states. “Being a mom is usually a great indication of womanhood.” Conversely, girls are “generally under 18 and often live with their parents.”
It seems pretty clear to us.
Bialik encourages us to correct anyone who refers to a woman as a girl. But let’s do it gently; after all, it’s important to express ourselves with kindness. “It’s up to us to change the narrative,” she reminds us.
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To summarize, Mayim Bialik’s passionate stance against calling women “girls” highlights the significant impact of language on perception and societal norms. By choosing words that empower rather than diminish, we can foster a culture of respect for women.