Misogyny

Today's Word I Hate To Say is Misogyny!

MERRIAM-WEBSTER DICTIONARY - MISOGYNY

Misogyny

noun mi·sog·y·ny \mə-ˈsä-jə-nē\

Definition of MISOGYNY

:  a hatred of women

Origin of MISOGYNY

Greek misogynia, from misein to hate + gynē woman — more at queen

First Known Use: circa 1656

So today's word I hate to say is misogyny.  I will get to the reason I hate to say it in a moment, but for now let me actually address the Misogyny issue itself.

Misogyny is defined as the hatred, abuse, or mistreatment of women.  Sadly, in 2015, misogyny is no less prevalent than it was in the 1100's.  While it may take on different forms from place to place and culture to culture, misogyny is a serious and real issue that should not be overlooked. 

Even more sad is where we see a rise in misogyny is in places that have the greatest impact and reach into the public...  Rap & Pop Music and certain religions, namely Islam.

Rap music is notorious for misogynizing women, making them out to be sex objects and less than human, and even advocate physical abuses on women. Lil Wayne, Eminem, Jay Z, Snoop Dog, Kanye West, Pitbull, and others are the worst offenders!

Pop music artist, some even women themselves, promote misogyny as well - Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, and Madonna come quickly to mind.  Singers like Ariana Grande have recently been very outspoken on this subject, almost to the extreme opposite end of the spectrum calling for the end of misogyny in her own unique way.

Religion is yet another place where misogyny is seen and often promoted as right before some god.  Islam, of all the major world religions, is the worst offender of the lot.  In most islamic countries, women are at best 2nd class citizens.  They undergo harsh to severe punishments for stepping out of line with the will of a man and even have their bodies mutilated for punishment or sexual rituals.

For those, like the Miley Cyrus', here is a bit of advice for you if you wish to help end misogyny...

However... simply put, MISOGYNY SHOULD NOT BE SO FOR ANY WOMAN, AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON - PERIOD!!  There is no excuse for it, no justification can be made for it, and REAL MEN won't tolerate or engage in it.  Stop the bullying and the put downs; stop the violence and the abuses!  This is not about some hyper-liberal war on women equal rights nonsense; it is about Human Rights!

My call/challenge to males and females, rappers and pop stars, people of no faith or any faith... Treat all people with respect, courtesy, and honor them for the individuals God made them to be.  With all our faults and failures, we have no right to look or talk down someone else's faults or failures!

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Now, for the reason I hate to say misogyny...

My reasons are few yet direct, the word sounds like massage.  It sounds like it could be the artform or science of massage, not a word that describes nasty and hateful treatment of women.

Short and sweet today, if you can get through my advocacy bit above!

Reference

Misogyny. (n.d.). Retrieved November 10, 2015, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misogyny

Draconian

Today's Word I Hate To Say is Draconian!

MERRIAM-WEBSTER DICTIONARY - DRACONIAN

draconian

adjective, dra·co·ni·an often capitalized \drā-ˈkō-nē-ən, drə-\

Full Definition of DRACONIAN

1
:  of, relating to, or characteristic of Draco or the severe code of laws held to have been framed by him
2

:  cruel; also :  severe <draconian littering fines>

Examples of DRACONIAN

The editorial criticizes the draconian measures being taken to control the spread of the disease.

Origin of DRACONIAN

Latin Dracon-, Draco, from Greek Drakōn Draco (Athenian lawgiver)

First Known Use: 1775

So today's word I hate to say is Draconian!  This word has been gaining popularity over the past few years and with the current US Election cycle, we are hearing it more nearly every day.

Draconian refers to something that is severe or cruel.  I often think of it meaning harsh and archaic as well.  The word sounds old and even has an old look to it.  What I mean is that it is similar to Dragon (Dracon) and Dracula (Drac).  Both the words Dragon and Dracula seem mystical and things of legends and myths - I believe that this is why Draconian seems old a mysterious as well.

My irritation with the word, like many others, is that because is sounds similar to the aforementioned words, it seems like this word was sloppily put together as a mash-up of words.  Could I even say it seems a lazy word?!  Some might even say this word sounds similar to the words President Bush "W" was accused of making us in his speeches...  "Transponderate" "Specificate" "Misunderestimate" - Ok!  I made up the first 2, but the 3rd is an actual word made up by President Bush!

So there you have it... Having to say or hear the word Draconian is a draconian practice!

REFERENCE
"Draconian." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 4 Nov. 2015.

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