Episode 4 | Can Words Be Reclaimed? | Girl on Girl

[@GraceHebditch]

I could listen to Juno talk all day - I feel like she is so eloquent about issues that I don't fully understand yet but want to learn more about

[@AstronautsWantedTV]

+Grace Hebditch We feel the same way! She's truly an incredible person

[@therebex23]

+Grace Hebditch You sound like a perfect candidate for taking sociology! I grew up with plenty of "social awareness" because of my parents mainly, but getting my degree in sociology and social psychology in university gave me a much broader awareness and perspective on social issues that I would have never encountered otherwise. A favourite quote from a 3rd year prof was "Sociology is easy; question everything you think is normal and research why normal is normal with unbiased expectations and conclusions"

[@bpdbigsister]

I feel like we're doing a really good job of reclaiming "queer" (I describe myself as a "queer woman" so I probably use it daily) and I feel like it can be used by anyone in the LGBT+ community; the same way that I feel like anyone who identifies as a woman (trans or otherwise) should be able to use and reclaim sexist words. I feel like we need to reclaim as many words as possible because having them as "the world cannot be said" gives them so much power; I think people still take so much offense to "cunt" because it's the one we're still not supposed to say. For example if we don't reclaim "bitch" it'll still be really offensive, but if we can change the meaning to something positive when someone attempts to offend you with it'll have much less impact/power. But like you said, we need to respect the wishes of those who don't want the word used with them; if someone has had a bad history with a certain word it will probably still effect them negatively. Part of the reason I've found it so easy to use "queer" is because I wasn't born when it was largely being used as an insult. Also the troll tea party segment is wonderful, I feel like you sassed them out of the water.

[@lovestruck-dl9kj]

i really like this series, particularly the way in which different opinions are encouraged rather than people needing to say the 'right thing' or face a backlash. i also really like that the comments section is so lovely. what a smashing corner of the internet :)

[@AstronautsWantedTV]

+lovestruck 1978 Thank you so, so much for all of your positive feedback! We really do want to create a safe place to discuss these issues, without judgement, so we're so happy that you feel this way!

[@LeahSuzaAndTheWizard]

I really enjoyed your episode Hannah and Juno, particularly your troll tea! I did just want to let you know that the idea that online activism is any less valuable than in person activism is widely rejected by the disabled and chronically ill community. Many people cannot leave their homes or spend hours protesting or attend clubs and meetings because those types of activism aren't accessible. Online activism has been an especially valuable movement to disabled people because they have carved out spaces where they can be safe and heard. In fact, many online movements have spread awareness to places it would not have reached before and I believe online activism has an important role to play in the social revolution. I'm sure you've never considered it before because why would you! But many in the community consider it an ableist narrative so thought you would like to know!

[@lindsaykcampbell]

+LeahSuzah Thank you for sharing this perspective ;)

[@keepsmiling15]

I feel like we have reclaimed the word queer and would often refer to lgbtq+ as the queer community but recently saw a video with Gaby Dunn and her mum in which her mum said she would always feel queer was a derogatory word and would never use it. So I feel like it is easier for the younger generation to reclaim queer as we haven't heard it being used so often as a slur in everyday life.

[@eleanorthekoala7256]

what was that video called? it sounds really interesting.

[@keepsmiling15]

+Eleanor the koala I didn't remember what the video was about just remembered the comment but when I found the video again it was actually called Explaining gender identity to my mom and is more about terms for gender, using correct pronouns etc but her mom makes the comment at the end when discussing genderqueer and I found it an interesting perspective.

[@eleanorthekoala7256]

+Moira Beaton thanks a lot

[@ellenconroy7444]

I feel like the word bitch has been reclaimed pretty successfully. I use it quite often in an ironic/sarcastic way towards people (not even always just girls) that I'm friends with and I haven't yet had anyone be offended by me using it in that way

[@taylormcelroy7835]

Okay

[@amyhr9687]

One thing I learnt living in Scotland whilst at uni is that cunt is often used as an affectionate word, or definitely not seen as offensive as it is in England.

[@tessrach1]

A reclaimed word that I use quite a lot is "queer" - once one of the worst slurs, and now very widely accepted within the LGBTQ+ community, and something I use to describe myself and others. However, it is always important to remember that not everyone is okay with a slur like that, especially older generations, and even with young people I try not to use it as a noun. I don't know why, but it's the same as referring to people as "gays" - fine in some circumstances, but really not okay in others.

[@rebekkahill4664]

Can I ask a question? Is it okay for straight people to use the word queer? I know many lgbt+ people who are fine with straight people using it if it is not an insult however that goes against the notion that only the oppressed can reclaim a word.

[@snake698]

Do another one of these With the deleted/deactivated comments of the last video plz

[@evesmith5600]

Troll tea party is my new favourite thing

[@otakuinananime]

A guy lost a card game to me once and called me a slut. He was gay so he thought it was okay. It wasn't.

[@katyspencer797]

Thanks for this interesting discussion! I agree with emotional correctness but had never really phrased it that way before.

[@inkypurplesky]

As a lesbian there are several words which I feel I have successfully reclaimed, however as a disabled person there are many others I have not. In keeping with general reclaimed words however, a few years ago I was at a society meeting and a very privileged white male student used the n-word several times very off handedly in the company of a girl who was African-American and a black British guy. They were both completely shocked and looked as though they had been slapped, and were almost shocked into silence. Particularly as the society was full of liberal minded people creating a support service for other students. The guy in question hadn't realised that he had offended them or thought his comments were in any way harmful

[@ashenayee]

i feel like 'bitch' has been pretty well reclaimed by women, though i do still feel uncomfortable when a man says it (degree of discomfort depends on the intent, again... eg. 'yaaas bitch' or 'bitch please' is fine, but to call a girl - esp. one that theyre seeing or dating or whatever- a bitch is a different story)

[@angelicaparker2075]

Can identities be reclaimed as well? Can males who have never faced the oppression that comes with being a female reclaim the word woman? The classification "woman" has been used historically to take away a human being's rights and label them as second class citizens due to being born female. It's ironic that Juno recognizes that being born white makes it inappropriate for her to use the n-word, "I was never oppressed using that word, so it's not mine to reclaim", but she's comfortable reclaiming an entire identity, woman, that she has never been oppressed by. "A word can only be reclaimed by people who have previously been oppressed by it." Well said. So what about identities?

[@filmemitelfe6972]

This was amazing - so many thoughts - here are a few of them: As a non nativ speaker (even though I am speaking english quite fluently) it is sometimes hard for me to grasp the context(s) in which words are used. And some of them might be just lovely and some might be so dehumanising and I try very hard to use words which do not offend people (in German, too which is my nativ language - it is a lot easier there but still sometimes I am not entirely sure) I am so thankful that you mentioned emotional correctness - because it would help so much. I am totally fine with not using words people feel offended ot oppressed by and I am so happy to learn and broaden my view on the world (?) but in some cases when I am "just" ignorant and had the best intentions I feel so insecure when I am shamed for using a certain word and I feel like there is a big difference between people who want to hurt others and people who are not aware of a context but are interested in talking about it (I hope that doesn't sound too self praising, does it?) I also really really loved the tea party, well done!. I will have to rewatch the "game" with sorting the words in categories - I did not really grasp the meaning of the catergories (i get good, neutral. eviland lawful, neutral evil but I am not sure yet about the connections and the meaning when you combine them in a grid like this) Oh and: would you say that Lindsey Doe reclaimed the c word, because she uses it with such ease (an explains why). I knew that it wasn't used in a positive way (to put it miildly, but I wasn't aware, that it might be "the only one to shock" - is there a difference between the US and the UK?) Anyways, please keep the episodes coming, they are awesome!

[@lindsaykcampbell]

+Filme mit Elfe The Alignment System is a meme we've seen to sort other things (characters within a world like Marvel or Harry Potter) but we thought it would be fun to make our own version. It's fun and useful for sorting things that are nuanced. Here's a bunch of them: www.google.com/search?q=alignment+system+test&espv=2&biw=1413&bih=666&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjQgtr_t4fMAhUHZCYKHRHgCwQQ_AUICCgD

[@CardboardCreative]

awesome episode, awesome guest! I'm glad to see topics like this braced on the show

[@AstronautsWantedTV]

+maenadgaynad Thank you! So glad to hear you enjoyed it :)

[@CardboardCreative]

+Andrea Christina it's cute that you've attempted to utilize palaeoanthropology to underline racist ideology, which Europeans have done for centuries- but all of their info came merely from speculation. your info is pretty speculative, as well, taking advantage of how palaeoanthropological research never fully agrees. the bottom line is, it's misunderstood bullshit. the integration of Neanderthalensis in our DNA doesn't contribute to intelligence, there is zero research confirming that, and many hominids had larger braincases than we do today. but the study of craniometry has been discredited, and as credible as phrenology. and those "mud hut" civilizations had incredible innovations that just weren't written about: pyramids in zimbabwe, agricultural advancements in mesoamerica. the treatment of non-white cultures throughout time is about more than just DNA. but you're just perpetuating the same school of thought as "academics" from 200 years ago. maybe branch out and find some real sources to read about rather than spouting vitriol on a yt video that's not even about the shit you're on about.

[@andreachristina4518]

pennyfarthing Thanks for taking the bait XD I hope I wasted your time with my troll copy pasta :^ )

[@CardboardCreative]

+Andrea Christina whose time really gets wasted if that's what you do with yourself?

[@harrietmellquist1698]

Hannah, you look a lot like Emma Watson in this. I've never realized the similarity before...

[@TheDankCrew]

it's one of my biggest regrets in my entire life, but I once called a girl of colour the n word when I was 10 after a boy told me it simply meant a person of darker skin (not that it was offensive in any way) looking back it still haunts me that I could say that since I now use identify as an intersectional feminist and someone who is 100% against racism and slurs. but shows like this remind me that although it was horrible, I have learnt from my mistakes (even from a young age) and with knowledge we can be kind and change makers. so thankyou

[@Chris-nn8cy]

I think the name of the show is great. Another fantastic episode! 😊

[@AstronautsWantedTV]

+Chris Iannotti Thanks so much, Chris!

[@thewelshdm]

I literally burst out laughing at that dog comment xD What the hell! Also so glad bitch was put a neutral, cause it's used so often but in both positive friendly ways with mates, but also derogatory ways. Definition of neutral

[@theannieelainey]

Love this conversation! Still very conflicted with being respectful and considerate of words that might hurt other people, while reclaiming them as our own identities. I am among MANY people who identify as q*eer and sometimes, that identity really shocks or hurts people. The word seems to be moving, it is used in so many spaces now to replace saying LGBT+, by Huffington Post, After Ellen, etc. Should people try harder to understand and respect identity? Should people who are reclaiming words like q*eer, s*ut, b*tch, etc. have to live in extreme caution for identifying a certain way? Where's the happy medium?

[@AstronautsWantedTV]

+annieelainey Wow, those are all really great points Annie! Thank you so much for sharing and joining the conversation!

[@MatildaVirgina]

Speaking of troll tea parties: "When the Guardian examined the 1.4 million comments that have been blocked by moderators since 1999, they found that eight of the 10 writers receiving the most blocked comments were women " (!!)

[@bea3829]

I really love her book 'this book is gay'

[@desitsalie7016]

One time I was at my friends house (I was about eight) and her mom had to go somewhere so she called two babysitters that would watch my friend regularly. The babysitters were, and this is gonna get confusing, one of my friend's mom friend's daughter and her daughter's friend (confusing, I know). My friend's mom had to leave right away so we were left alone for couple of minutes. The whole time my friend was telling me how awful these babysitters were. So, eventually they arrived and I was introduced to them. They kept saying mean things about us to each other, and of course, we didn't like that, so we started crying. Then one of the girls that were watching us said "Look, we made the b**ch and her n***er friend cry" I am mixed raced (black and white) but I look more like I am black because my skin is pretty dark and my hair is very curly. At the time I wasn't very aware of the n-word, so when I went home, I told my dad about what happened and he was outraged. I thought it was because they were swearing at us but I know realize that that was only part of it. What probably really made him mad was that someone called his little 8 year old daughter the n-word. Looking back on this now, I am extremely disgusted by those girl's actions. Calling little kids these horrible things is twisted, immature, and straight up messed.

[@AstronautsWantedTV]

+Des, it's a Lie Wow, we're sorry that you had to experience something like that and at such young age! It's so sad that people think that, that's okay :( We really appreciate you sharing your experience, thank you so much :)

[@captainwendy_980]

I don't think is really "reclaiming" but I've become immune to the words "slut" and "whore". Like, I don't use it on a regular basis and call people that. It was just a change of mindset. Because "whore" is a job, so when someone uses it around me I don't take offense in it. The same way it wouldn't make any sense if someone called me a chef or a lawyer.

[@therebex23]

+CaptainWendy _ I think it really comes down to how someone is intending to use the word - are the saying it to put down someone or to celebrate them? "She's a well-known whore" (for example) could mean two (or more) things - it could mean she's very good at her job and a successful sex-worker with a highly rated reputation within her profession like many of the expensive escorts who provide services to the very wealthy social elite; on the other hand, it could be a jab at a girl who is sexually active or (perhaps rumoured) has had sex with more than one person.

[@loz_nz]

I think it's interesting hearing your perspectives on the c word. I am really not a fan of using that word but here in New Zealand it's thrown around quite casually. The term GC (good c---) is seen as a high compliment.

[@richardrobinson4688]

My bad for watching these backwards but that's how I roll. First to Juno. Never let others make you feel bad for who you are. It's hard. I'm the weirdest person you'll meet. Used to let peoples words hurt me and my own. Used to tell myself I wasn't worth it. Between five and ten things happened with babysitters who went to jail for what they did. I've been told my parents knew. Would explain the extra money at times with beer, shrooms, mary and other stuff. I was bribed with comics, candy, toys etc. I used that as an escape from reality. I was told they loved me and hugged. It would be my fault if I told. For years couldn't even say those words to family or friends. Hugs made me cringe. Samantha taught me that caring for others was cool and hugging didn't mean there was a catch or motive behind the action. She passed on years ago. I also take into account all the times being hit in head, almost drowning at six( my dads doing when he flipped canoe over drunk), and withdrawals from alcohol and drugs when I was born. Does things to your mind. Each hit messes with your brain. Sometimes years before you notice. My dad hit me in head with two by four when drunk. I was eight or so. If I hadn't been wearing his helmet I would have went to hospital. He said that's how you fight a stranger. If you get to know me I'm a cool person. Sometimes sliw at talking or with my replies but if you look you'll see that I'm processing the info that I heard. I just rambled. Sorry. Take back and use any word you want. Take something bad and make it good. Any negative can be made into a positive. Make yourself stronger with every bad thing and you"ll be a better person for it. I have learned a lot about the huge range of the rainbow. So many words that people refer to themselves as. A spectrum that is up the Yin Yang full of possibilities. Up the Yin Yang means something good. Heard it said a few years back when someone referred to how cool a party was. Haven't had anybody complain about it. Not yet. In the last three plus years I've learned a lot from Hannah, Day, Jelly, Timmy, Tyler, Ashley and many more. I can't say I remember it all but I try my best to. Just keep being you and be great at it. Hannah is a great teacher. What you feel comfortable with is what you should go with. I hope I made some sense. You both have a great day.

[@rosiej1262]

this was a really interesting video for me, as i find that i have a problem with the words 'whore' and 'slut', but i have less of a problem with 'hoe' - probably because I'm used to people around me using it as a sort of playful, affectionate term which has nothing to do with the context of slut shaming and definitely doesn't come from ill intent. This sort of links in with what you were both saying about emotional correctness, so it was really interesting to hear you're takes on it. I'm really enjoying this series and it's making me think a lot about a lot of things. Good job guys!

[@summerjoy626]

Ah I looooved this, I spent a lot of my third year researching into the origins of the word cunt and how it had transformed over the years into such a derogatory word. I've never really been phased by the word and the more I learnt about it the more I loved it and embraced it, my degree show piece was actually about reclaiming the word and the 'death' of it as an insult, will send you a picture via Instagram at some point, think you'll like it tbh

[@Cabenson4eva]

One word that i just find disgusting is the c word. I just cringe and feel sick whenever I hear it, even when used as another word for the female body part

[@ElliesWorld]

Juno has an infectious personality :D I wanna be bffs lol

[@caleblefever9138]

i thought the series was "girl on girl" not "guy on girl"

[@paulas2928]

I feel like the word bitch has been actually successfully reclaimed by women,at least from my point of view. Using statement's like badass bitch as positive for women instead of derogatory.

[@jenn3jenn3]

Such an interesting topic! Personally, among myself and my friend groups a lot of the time we use the word 'cunt' as a term of endearment and I LOVE the word. However, that being said - I have had a few people tut at me or say 'Jennifer! Language!' But each to their own :) I am a lot more mindful if I know that person doesn't like the word, but for me it depends on the intent and the tone of how it's said/ the context etc.. Also, really enjoying this series and Juno is fantastic! :) (of course you too Hannah :) ) xx

[@imani877]

It honestly shocked me that you've never heard a white person say the n-word, I hear non-black people say it so regularly it's alarming and disappointing. I used to confront people about it regularly, because they said it right in front of me, so they were kind of asking for confrontation. People often said that they felt comfortable saying it in front of me because I was "The Whitest Black Girl". I didn't fit people's stereotypes so they decided to strip away my racial identity, so that they could feel comfortable around me. I've removed these ignorant people from my life, but it's scary to know that people still don't know the weight of words. But maybe that's just America. Also p*ssy is used frequently as an insult towards men and I didn't hear you mention that. But maybe all this is just common in America. (I hope this made sense)

[@FakeRedHeadABrunette]

Something that I have noticed about the N-word in a French speaking country is that white people will openly use the English word without any venom behind it and no one will bat an eyelid, not even black people (at least not the people I am friendly with), I don't know if the word has been reclaimed or if it's just that there is a disassociation because of the language barrier, but these are people who are educated about slavery, have an understanding of what the word means and consume american/british media where saying that word is clearly not okay. Maybe the weight of the word just cannot be translated, but it still troubles me that it bothers no one when it's used by a white person. I'm kinds confused, let's just put it that way.

[@janistransbian]

i think you both look good.

[@AstronautsWantedTV]

+chiefdancingostriche

[@janistransbian]

i mean it.

[@jennybamn]

omg hannah that dress.

[@mikehunt5215]

Why did you disable comments on your Muslim feminist video? Can't you handle being debunked?

i heard my white "friend" start to say the n word recently :/

[@GymKarla]

Oh :/

[@Samchocolate11]

If you're able to it, explain politely why it's wrong to do so/ politely call them out.

[@Asdfghjkl-us5jr]

Andrea Christina actually everyone outside of Africa has neanderthal blood

[@bridgethoosic]

They disabled the "Can a Muslim be a Feminist" Comment section. Censorship so you don't have to hear the truth. Your show is pathetic. You should be ashamed.

[@user-nw5te4mo1q]

Ikr

[@doronperry842]

People hearing the trump comment now✌

[@ThePaforca]

I don't get the point of this content

[@darksharkrafa1]

girl on girl...juno is a man ????????