While talk has been flying around the blogosphere about the generation gap in progressive politics, that's nothing compared to the chasm in feminist politics. This interview between the New York Times' Deborah Solomon and Andi Zeisler of Bitch magazine is, I have to think, some sort of Colbert-esque parody -- maybe "Know Your Elders":
Why would you choose to glamorize the unappealing female stereotype of the bitch?
When we chose the name, we were thinking, well, it would be great to reclaim the word “bitch” for strong, outspoken women, much the same way that “queer” has been reclaimed by the gay community. That was very much on our minds, the positive power of language reclamation.
But is the goal to rouse an entire generation of women to become bitches?
We have always sort of concentrated more on the active verb form of “bitch.” As in, to bitch. And, actually, as grammar nerds, that was one of the big factors in choosing “bitch.” Hey, it's a noun and a verb.
But so is the word “kvetch.”
Well, “kvetch” has a very specific cultural connotation.
Ah yes, Kvetch magazine. That would sure send a message.
Via Jessica.
