A certain thing I was not aware of..

I wrote a freewrite yesterday..

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977886070

It's about my friend's and how they would complain about their husbands.. and how being "unmarried" there are probably things I just don't understand about the dynamic between husband and wife..

Anyway.. I used the term "housewife" and I got some comments that voiced a little concern over that term..

I was unaware there is a slight negative connotation to that word..

I grew up with my mom using that term.. we are filipino.. and I was unaware that people thought that term was not "politically correct.."

I guess it's similar to refering to Asians as "Orientals.." I was not aware of the negative connotation to that word as well..

Anyway.. I don't see what would be wrong with the word "housewife." When did the word become taboo?

I hope I get some explanation.. I would hate to be offending people and not know it..

Comments: 11

Susan Budig Nov 5, 2009, 2:52pm EST

Hi Rachel,

I was one who voiced curiosity. As far as offending me, no. If we were speaking face-to-face and I'd ask you not to call me a housewife and you insisted on calling me a housewife, I might not like it. But I figured there was a reason that you used that particular word.

And the reason is cultural. No big deal.

But personally I hate to be called a housewife because it's demeaning, in my opinion. For me it suggests that my capabilities are limited to sweeping the floors and scrubbing toilets. It classifies me as a non-contributing member of society. That's how I hear the term.

Others feel differently. :-)

Rachel V. Nov 5, 2009, 3:30pm EST

Thanks for the clarification..

I just wanted to make sure that I truly wasn't saying anything that was really bad..

:-)

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James s F. Nov 5, 2009, 3:08pm EST

Not sure,
let me check with the little woman

Len Maxwell Nov 5, 2009, 4:24pm EST

I'm amazed, James; it's been over an hour and you haven't caught heck yet.

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Len Maxwell Nov 5, 2009, 4:23pm EST

It seems to be a personal thing for some women. Titles have changed over the years and I guess “homemaker” is now the accepted title. I spent some time as a househusband back in the early eighties, am quite proud of that, and have no problem with the title.

You're the one that has to decide whether to be politically correct or not.

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Heather C. Nov 5, 2009, 4:25pm EST

Housewife, could mean married to the house.... as in me, I'm John's wife. I don't call myself a homemaker, I am a domestic engineer. :)

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Risa G. Nov 5, 2009, 4:29pm EST

I've never really been offended by the term but some people are. I am a housewife - I am married to my husband and my house! I mainly call myself a homemaker - I make stuff in my house! I make cookies, muffins, breads, food - and love! lol

In different countries, terms mean different things and are taken differently.

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Susan Budig Nov 5, 2009, 9:55pm EST

What I like is that Rachel didn't become defensive, but asked for some honest feedback. People responded and didn't criticize her for anything.

Respect and courtesy go a long way.

Rachel V. Nov 5, 2009, 11:22pm EST

Thank you. It's always been my "thing" to ask questions about things I am unsure of.

I appreciate the feedback from everyone.

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Austin Cushing Nov 19, 2009, 11:26pm EST

This comment is to let you know that this content has reached at least ten comments, and as such has been removed from Comment Speedway! Congratulations!

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A certain thing I was not aware of..

Comments: 11

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