Co-sign. I'm still trying to think of a way that the term could be brought up in general conversation. :confused:

I've already actually answered the question on the first or second page. I said if it's deserved, then I don't have a problem with it. A jerk is a jerk, a ho is a ho, a liar is a liar, a cheater a cheater, etc. I will never have a problem with calling it as I see it. I also said that if someone were to refer to an entire chapter or greek women in general that way I would definitely have a problem with it.

I don't do the walk of shame, I can keep to myself and behave myself. If one of my friends called me that, then, obviously, they are joking with me. It's not going to bother me in the least. If a stranger called me that, I'd be angry, because it doesn't apply.

Actually I find the implication that I am somehow a lesser woman because I don't get up in arms about it MUCH more offensive than the word itself. I've always taken issue with that attitude.

well this topic really got the keyboards going. I think we can for the majority agree that this term is offensive, with a few minorities in the midst that somehow believe someone who doesnt know you saying "hey sorostitute" is a compliment.


Maybe the constructive thing to post on here now would be how we can change this image. And how we can make collegians realize that they shouldnt encourage the use of the word.

Who said a stranger saying that was a compliment? I'm asking because I haven't seen it yet.

I am a collegian, but nothing you can say is going to convince me to fly in someone's face when they call a whore a whore or when one of my friends jokes around.

Thanks for saying the top part because it's my take too. The range is more from "highly offensive" to "it can be a joke among friends," rather than any group who says "oh, yeah, I love it when strangers call me a sorostitute." One poster is from a campus where, as she sees it, the joke level is apparently kind of complimentary in terms of superficial attributes.

How to get folks to move on from using this word, especially if the word has it's roots in a stereotype grounded in some people's behavior, is a little bit trickier.

All we've got so far is that chapter advisors and offended members can mention to other undergraduates that it's not the best joking nickname to use because it's offensive, especially in its roots.

Care to name them?


First we had to clarify that there were two different meanings being discussed. Now, it seems that we have to clarify that we're talking about the word in general use. What people say amongst friends is their own business. We're talking about about the word being tossed around about sorority women in general....just as SECdomination just did. Irony or stupidity? Your call.

You.

Oh noeeess teh offendzzz !!!!!!!!!!!!111shift+1shift+1

i think the term is stupid, though slightly more creative than the term my mom likes to use, which is "sor-whore." yeeeah. that was a nice conversation when i went through recruitment.

Words have meaning . . .
 

I was addressing the general concept behind your response, not necessarily just you personally, AGDSquirrelGirl. Sorry if I was not clear.

But one aspect you don't address in this, your earlier response, is the question of the "whore" and "prostitute" connection. Do you really run across many women who are having sex for money? That is, after all, the actual meaning of those words. A slut, or skank, on the other hand, is sexually promiscuous. So, if you are going to congratulate yourself on calling a "ho a ho", then it should be someone who is having sex for money. I'm guessing you probably don't REALLY run across many of them.

I think at this point we can say that whether or not people find the term offensive depends on where and how it is used. Some of us find the term demeaning, no matter who is using it, while others think it can be amusing if used among friends. I don't think anyone thinks the word is always appropriate.

One reason so many of us find it offensive is the marrying of the term "sorority" with "prostitute".As we all know, just because you are Greek does not mean you are sexually promiscuous. (And it sure doesn't mean you are having sex for money) If nothing else, maybe all this discussion will have people thinking about the words they use and the impact they can have. If you are joking around with your friends and tossing this word around and are overheard by non-greeks, you shouldn't be surprised to find they continue to believe the stereotypes.

In your dreams, SEC, in your dreams!

I have read this entire thread, and this quote sums up my views perfectly. I don't care if it has become acceptable to some, it is still the combination of sorority and prostitute.

Co-sign. Offensive

Offensive

But, I am old and obviously, totally uncool ;)

I think it is crass and classless to use it in an "endearing" ;) way. To use it in a way such as squirrel girl says, which is a derogatory way of calling someone a "slut", is still crass.

What happened to the days of saying a girl had a QR, which was basically saying the same thing, but without saying "ho" or prostitute, or whatever lovely little ditty is thrown about like so much trash.

(Quote - Mandypepperidge)Women who are labeled as such are the popular girls. They are decked out in the big sunglasses, the designer jeans & bags, cute shoes, and so forth. These are the girls who put out an image of class. They are fun to be around and are popular. Most importantly, they exude confidence.

Cosign!

I also find it hilarious that this particular poster defines "class" by what people wear and because they are popular. (Psst...You cannot BUY class. You don't have class simply because a lot of people know who you are.)

It's my hope that these kids will change their views as they get older and out into the world. A few years of life experience is a great slap of reality...er, I mean teacher.

Well, I think there's a difference between having a real basis and calling someone a slut or ho - which means she sleeps with anything that moves - and calling her a sorostitute.

My understanding of the term is that a girl could be as pure as the driven snow and some people would still refer to her as a "sorostitute" - it has nothing to do with her actual sex life, it's being used to downgrade the fact that she is in a sorority and that she's a stereotype and not a person because of it.

I don't understand how it has caught on, frankly, because it has way too many syllables.