Is 'shorty' sexist?

[EKublai]

As I'm sure you are all aware, the word 'shorty' has grown exponentially in popularity over the pass few years and is a word frequented by the hip-hop and rap cultures. But unlike the more obvious and graphic ways the music industry has exploited women (music videos to name one instance) the usage of the word 'shorty' has really been overlooked as an effectively oppressive trait.
Certainly, I'm sure a women would rather be called shorty than "bitch" "dumb ho" or even "woman" but frankly, I just don't really think that women have given much thought about it. In that case, we should make it clear that women don't seem to be much concerned with women empowerment anymore so maybe I'm just blowing hot air. I will say that I heard a political rap somewhere during the primary season of the elections where Hilary Clinton was referred to as "shawty" and that alone gave me a very negative image of her.
The way shorty is used in hip-hop is the method by which the rapper projects his love interest. However, while "shorty" itself probably refers to the well known fact that women are shorter than men, when used in the context of a club like Low by Flo Rider or Take you there by Sean Kingston, the result is that shorty is actually on the short of end of success and the man is believed to be the only way up for the woman. Essentially, "shawty" is shorter in stature than the man. In fact, I've noticed that as "shorty" has been used more and more, it as with all terms for women has been sexualized, and now shorty is being used to indirectly refer to the 'inferior' sex.
I'm not a woman's activist, but I like to complain. And so what I'm complaining about is that I hope that people will take notice (hopefully women will take notice, not counting on it though) and see how this word has gone from being used as a term of affection to a sexualized, degrading symbol of woman's subservience,vulnerability, and dependence.

Comments? Rejections?

[Al6200]

It seems like a somewhat affectionate term, in the same way that the Beach Boys used the word "little" to refer to their "little surfer girl".

I don't really see it as demeaning.

[NeglectfulSpawn]

At 2/27/09 01:43 AM, EKublai wrote: As I'm sure you are all aware, the word 'shorty' has grown exponentially in popularity over the pass few years and is a word frequented by the hip-hop and rap cultures. But unlike the more obvious and graphic ways the music industry has exploited women (music videos to name one instance) the usage of the word 'shorty' has really been overlooked as an effectively oppressive trait.
Certainly, I'm sure a women would rather be called shorty than "bitch" "dumb ho" or even "woman" but frankly, I just don't really think that women have given much thought about it. In that case, we should make it clear that women don't seem to be much concerned with women empowerment anymore so maybe I'm just blowing hot air. I will say that I heard a political rap somewhere during the primary season of the elections where Hilary Clinton was referred to as "shawty" and that alone gave me a very negative image of her.
The way shorty is used in hip-hop is the method by which the rapper projects his love interest. However, while "shorty" itself probably refers to the well known fact that women are shorter than men, when used in the context of a club like Low by Flo Rider or Take you there by Sean Kingston, the result is that shorty is actually on the short of end of success and the man is believed to be the only way up for the woman. Essentially, "shawty" is shorter in stature than the man. In fact, I've noticed that as "shorty" has been used more and more, it as with all terms for women has been sexualized, and now shorty is being used to indirectly refer to the 'inferior' sex.
I'm not a woman's activist, but I like to complain. And so what I'm complaining about is that I hope that people will take notice (hopefully women will take notice, not counting on it though) and see how this word has gone from being used as a term of affection to a sexualized, degrading symbol of woman's subservience,vulnerability, and dependence.

Comments? Rejections?

i think your reading into it way too much. women in my opinion are all about being indepedent and empowered. As for your comment on what it means, here you go:

shawty
A term orginating in Atlanta that, in the beginning, referred to a short person or child, but the span of the word has grown to include any and all people, especially a girl that is attractive; it is mostly used as a term of endearment to others or just a way of addressing someone, like 'Wassup Man,' Instead of "Man", shawty is used.
NOTE: Can be shortened to "shawt" or "shawtdawg".
"Waddup Shawty, when you coming over?"

Shorty
1. Your girlfriend or girl that you date or go out with.
2. One of your closest friends, friend that you hang out with a lot.
3. An attractive girl that you want to meet.
1. "I love you Shorty."
2. "Hey Shorty, let's go see a movie."
3. "Dude, check out that Shorty over there."

personally i dont care what they speak or how they speak it and if a girl likes it then so be it i dont care, they could click there lips and pop there tongues to represent a female and if they were commercial rappers ya know what? there would be lip clickin and tongue poppin everywhere in america, it would look like nigeria.

in conclusion I dont give a flying fuck about what rappers lingo is to call a female
and i know women are empowered because i hear my girlfriend bitch everyday,
if she isnt in power with the pussy? then iunno :S

[Dekagaru]

A word in and of itself is neither ok or offinsive. It is the meaning behind it and the context in which it was used. If "shawty" is used in an affectionate manner, and that is the meaning and intent placed behind it, then in my worthless opinion thats totally fine.

[Korriken]

I would imagine that would depend on the individual woman. I've seen women give men one hell of a verbal ass kickin over it while others seem to prefer the term.

I agree that its better than "ho" "bitch" and many other derogatory terms that have been used.

[thedo12]

offensive? maybe

sexist hell no

[Ericho]

I'd think "shorty" would be offensive to midgets.

[KartoTolmex]

At 2/27/09 01:43 AM, EKublai wrote: As I'm sure you are all aware, the word 'shorty' has grown exponentially in popularity over the pass few years and is a word frequented by the hip-hop and rap cultures. But unlike the more obvious and graphic ways the music industry has exploited women (music videos to name one instance) the usage of the word 'shorty' has really been overlooked as an effectively oppressive trait.
Certainly, I'm sure a women would rather be called shorty than "bitch" "dumb ho" or even "woman" but frankly, I just don't really think that women have given much thought about it. In that case, we should make it clear that women don't seem to be much concerned with women empowerment anymore so maybe I'm just blowing hot air. I will say that I heard a political rap somewhere during the primary season of the elections where Hilary Clinton was referred to as "shawty" and that alone gave me a very negative image of her.
The way shorty is used in hip-hop is the method by which the rapper projects his love interest. However, while "shorty" itself probably refers to the well known fact that women are shorter than men, when used in the context of a club like Low by Flo Rider or Take you there by Sean Kingston, the result is that shorty is actually on the short of end of success and the man is believed to be the only way up for the woman. Essentially, "shawty" is shorter in stature than the man. In fact, I've noticed that as "shorty" has been used more and more, it as with all terms for women has been sexualized, and now shorty is being used to indirectly refer to the 'inferior' sex.
I'm not a woman's activist, but I like to complain. And so what I'm complaining about is that I hope that people will take notice (hopefully women will take notice, not counting on it though) and see how this word has gone from being used as a term of affection to a sexualized, degrading symbol of woman's subservience,vulnerability, and dependence.

Comments? Rejections?

Personally I feel as if you've drawn conclusions from an entertainment that isn't known for it's "intelligence".

I'll take the N-word as an example, this word is bandied around just as commonly as any other, but it doesn't have the connotation that we would normally associate with it. Inside the song it has a different meaning, which seems to change depending on the person at the time.

I think the same thing would apply to this term also, it's intention edited between individuals.

When female empowerment is increasing each day, I really don't think this can be assumed as derogatory, simply because there are many women in as powerful positions as men. Of course there are some that are still untouched by females, but the USA have a black president now, so the future only looks bright.

In short, no I do not believe it to be sexist, and it would only be offensive if it is directed as so. In the same manner as the word "Bitch" can be a slur, or a reference to a female animal.

[SmilezRoyale]

Instead of passing some universal decree on the issue, why not let the individual women decide whether or not the word is offensive to them.

After all... under the right conditions it's entirely possible to convince a person that the word Smart is an insult... Be it sexist, racist, or something that is simply EXTREMELY vulgar (like the words you can't say on television).

[Dawnslayer]

Last I heard from the hip-hop industry, "shorty" is used by both genders, for both genders. It's a stupid word, but it's not sexist.

[blackattackbitch]

I have to go with the flow on this one. Shorty was only offensive when used on Clinton because it was a tie to the hip-hop industry and a tie to the average girl. Other than that, shorty can be a pretty endearing term to some and an offensive term to others.

And no, I haven't called my girlfriend shorty, ho, or bitch. I'd like to leave my penis attached to my body, please.

[aviewaskewed]

I just think it's a stupid word. But that's just me. Offense is in the ire of the offended I guess :)

[morefngdbs]

At 2/27/09 08:20 PM, SmilezRoyale wrote: Instead of passing some universal decree on the issue, why not let the individual women decide whether or not the word is offensive to them.

;;;;;
This is a pretty good idea Smilez....makes sense, & that's why it probably won't be how the issue is decided.
But I think i'd rather be called shorty, than say vertically challenged.

[Ericho]

At 2/28/09 02:09 AM, aviewaskewed wrote: I just think it's a stupid word. But that's just me. Offense is in the ire of the offended I guess :)

Yeah, me too. What is that supposed to mean anyway? I honestly don't care if a word like that is offensive or not. It's just dumb.

[bcdemon]

It's not sexist, it's dumb. Just like "Lemme axe you sumpthin", it's ASK ok?

[MachShot]

I don't think "shorty" is sexist.

I think the rest of any song that has the word "shorty' probably is though.