We should stop using sexist slurs, and since we includes everybody, that includes Dave Chappelle. I don't bring this up to detract from any of his work, especially the "8:46" special that initially prompted my reaction - it's deserving of every one of its seemingly endless accolades; we includes everybody. But it struck me as I watched that the way he used certain language in it is, if not commonplace, at least recognizable, and the fact that his word choice proved no detriment to how the performance was received reflects the broader misogyny in our culture.
I do not feel compelled to explain why we should stop using these slurs, with the main reason being that others have already done so; the lesser consideration is that it should be self-evident, but perhaps this is not the case - sexist language remains tolerated at a time when someone can be fired for using slurs referencing another's race or ethnicity. Again, it reflects the culture. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke out regarding such language because she knew silence would imply acceptance, and that acceptance would enable the culture, which would allow the slurs directed at her on the steps of the Capitol to go - and continue to go - unpunished. I do feel the culture is changing, gradually - stopping to articulate the problem so that others understand how serious it is, precisely, is slow work, but it's the only way to make change a little faster.
