Some More Provocative Musings

I had the pleasure of Skyping with my cousin Shira Karanevsky in Haifa earlier this week, and, among other things, we had a brief discussion about the Presidential election. Shira and I share a passion for Israeli politics, and have had some epic late night discussions (in Hebrew, no less) about the world as it is and as it should be.

In any case, she asked me specifically what I thought about Sarah Palin, and all I could think of to say to her was:

היא נורא מפחידה אותי

which I'd best translate as "She terrifies me."

Then today, I stumbled across this AP interview with Matt Damon, where he pretty much says the same thing. I particularly enjoy the "bad Disney movie" analogy.



Anyway, my friend Tom has aptly pointed out to me that I, as a male, should avoid being drawn into any conversation or disagreement with a woman about what is or is not sexism, since a man can never win any point on that subject. Personally, as the token boy in the "immediate extended" family, I feel like I have that right--at least within this particular circle. Moreover, I often find that making provocative statements is a great way to start really intelligent and groundbreaking conversations.

So without further ado, I need to get something off my chest here. If a woman characterizes herself as a female dog--let's say for example, a "Pitbull with lipstick," is it sexist to call her a bitch? I mean, that would be in keeping with Merriam Webster's definition of the word, right?