Words as Weapons: Confronting Misogynistic Swearwords and Online Hate


In a world striving for equality and respect, the prevalence of misogynistic swearwords remains a painful reminder of the uphill battle women face in many societies, including India. Friends who grew up in the country shared their dismay at how these offensive words felt like a direct slap in the face to women, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and undermining progress.

The distressing aspect was not just the use of such language but its normalization on some Indian viewing platforms. Tales of violence from rural areas were juxtaposed with expletives, creating a toxic cocktail that demeaned and disempowered women further. Instead of challenging such narratives, some platforms seemed to endorse and even glorify this unacceptable behavior.

Simultaneously, the rise of social media provided a breeding ground for vicious backlash against women who dared to express their opposition. The cloak of anonymity offered by online platforms emboldened individuals to unleash a torrent of threats and insults. This cyberbullying not only silenced voices but also amplified the deep-seated misogyny lurking in society.

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