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Ghostbusters 2016: Talk about the movie(s).

Re: Ghostbusters reboot: We're (almost, maybe, sorta) ready to believe

It's no different than calling a movie a children's movie or a family film. It's just an identifier used to describe the general audience the movie is aimed at.
I dunno, I think using a potentially dismissive term like "chick" as the subject (as opposed to "family" or "children's" or "kids" says a lot about the implications of the term/

I think that's overly sensitive.

I'm certainly not offended when something is referred to as a guy movie.

In fact! The very first time I heard the term "chick flick" was from a girl, which is probably why I don't view it as an offensive term.

"Aw, you just didn't like it because it was a chick flick. ::laughter::"

And then I thought, "Chick flick! That's it! That's exactly what this movie was!"

(The movie in question was "The Other Sister" with Juliette Lewis, Giovanni Ribisi and Diane Keaton.)

We were reviewing it for the college newspaper.
I've heard quite a few women use the term myself so I'm going to need more than a few thin skinned people on a lowly populated site to convince me to stop using it.
 
Re: Ghostbusters reboot: Yes, it has WOMEN

Nobody is trying to convince you to stop using it. The pejorative meaning the term "chick" often entails isn't exactly a secret, though. If you're comfortable with calling women "chicks" or a certain type of movie (no matter how vague or asinine the definition) "chick flick" then go ahead.
Doesn't mean the rest of us have to stand alongside the road to cheer you on.
 
Re: Ghostbusters reboot: Yes, it has WOMEN

FWIW, the pejorative meaning of 'chick flick' was clear to me from the get-go, whenever I first heard it all those years ago. It's a put-down for how saccharine the film is (basically). Although I really shouldn't be, I'm surprised that that's even in dispute.
 
Re: Ghostbusters reboot: We're (almost, maybe, sorta) ready to believe

on a lowly populated site
As opposed to a high-traffic web destination, where you would rush to change your mind? If so, I have a few Youtube videos for you to consider.
 
Re: Ghostbusters reboot: Yes, it has WOMEN

Since when is "guy" a term that's often used in pejorative contexts?

"Chick" surely is.
It is? Maybe -- and I do mean maybe -- when it first came up decades and decades ago, but for quite some time it's just been a casual way to refer to a woman, exactly the same as "guy" or "dude" is for a man. Hell, even dictionaries refer to it simply as being an informal/slang term rather than an insult or pejorative.

"Whaa, I have to be outraged by SOMETHING, so I'll be outraged by EVERYTHING!" That's all I hear when people like yourself start spouting nonsense like that.

Considering that the reason the term is "chick flick" is only because "chick" rhymes with "flick" makes this an even stupider thing to say.
 
Re: Ghostbusters reboot: Yes, it has WOMEN

Considering that the reason the term is "chick flick" is only because "chick" rhymes with "flick" makes this an even stupider thing to say.

That's the only reason? I don't think so.

For those interested in how the term 'chick flick' came to be, there's this, from http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/chick-flick.html [underlining mine]:

<A bunch of interesting stuff>

By 1995, 'chick flick' was well established. In December that year The Syracuse Herald Journal ran a review piece in which they invited a group of young women to review two recent films by Demi Moore. That included comments on the film Now and Then, starring Demi Moore and Melanie Griffith, reviewed by Katie Racculia:

"For guys, it's just another mind numbing 'chick flick.' But for us, the members of the fine female sex, 'Now and Then' is a funny, touching story where we can see a bit of ourselves and our friends in the characters."​
The intended put-down could hardly be plainer. :shrug:
 
Re: Ghostbusters reboot: Yes, it has WOMEN

Since when is "guy" a term that's often used in pejorative contexts?

"Chick" surely is.
It is? Maybe -- and I do mean maybe -- when it first came up decades and decades ago, but for quite some time it's just been a casual way to refer to a woman, exactly the same as "guy" or "dude" is for a man. Hell, even dictionaries refer to it simply as being an informal/slang term rather than an insult or pejorative.

Language changes. "Chick" is not a respectful or appropriate way to refer to women in general. If you personally know women who are fine with it, that's okay. They're allowed to decide for themselves. Doesn't mean it's okay as a general rule.

If we want to talk about dictionaries, here's one. Note how most of the usages of "chick" applying to women are considered offensive.

As I said: language changes. Deal with it.

"Whaa, I have to be outraged by SOMETHING, so I'll be outraged by EVERYTHING!" That's all I hear when people like yourself start spouting nonsense like that.

Who was outraged? It's funny how people who behave disrespectfully take even the mildest criticism as "outrage."

Considering that the reason the term is "chick flick" is only because "chick" rhymes with "flick" makes this an even stupider thing to say.

That it rhymes makes it memorable. That's not the same as it being a neutral or respectful term. :vulcan:
 
Re: Ghostbusters reboot: Yes, it has WOMEN

Since when is "guy" a term that's often used in pejorative contexts?

"Chick" surely is.

Taking that into account means that "chick flick" is a rather dismissive term. So the terms "guy movie" and "chick flick" aren't even remotely comparable.

Also: The excuse "I've heard women use the term!" is of zero relevance to the issue. Sexism and sexist language are a cultural phenomenon that doesn't only affect men.
I think "chick" on it's own is not the most flattering term but I don't see Chick flick as sexist language. It means "a movie that will appeal to women more than men". It's a slang term.

Should I say "Woman's film" or "girl's film" instead? It's still gender determinant, but even more so since it's saying women and girls. "Chick flick" is something appealing to women but not just for women.
 
Re: Ghostbusters reboot: Yes, it has WOMEN

Since when is "guy" a term that's often used in pejorative contexts?

"Chick" surely is.
It is? Maybe -- and I do mean maybe -- when it first came up decades and decades ago, but for quite some time it's just been a casual way to refer to a woman, exactly the same as "guy" or "dude" is for a man. Hell, even dictionaries refer to it simply as being an informal/slang term rather than an insult or pejorative.

I'm not a native English speaker so I'd bow to your endless wisdom if not for the fact that:
- I've seen the term used in a pejorative way plenty of times.
- American friends of mine tell me it's often used in a dismissive way.

Having said that it's not really something I lose sleep over.

"Whaa, I have to be outraged by SOMETHING, so I'll be outraged by EVERYTHING!" That's all I hear when people like yourself start spouting nonsense like that.

You're reading things that aren't there which says more about you than it says about me. I'm not outraged at all and I'm sure most people who read my two posts noticed that I was as relaxed as a sloth on a Sunday when I wrote them.

Your shutdown tactic is as pathetic as it is old and I don't think anybody will be impressed. A woman offers mild criticism or feedback and then a guy yells: "HYSTERICAL WOMAN!!!".

When I'm actually outraged you won't be able to miss it.
Hint: I get my claws out, scratch men's eyes out and then drown them in my menstrual blood in the traditional feminist ritual.
 
Re: Ghostbusters reboot: Yes, it has WOMEN

I think "chick" on it's own is not the most flattering term but I don't see Chick flick as sexist language. It means "a movie that will appeal to women more than men". It's a slang term.

I don't really have any strong opinion one way or the other. The fact that the term "chick flick" includes a word ("chick") that is often used in a dismissive way might indicate that the same applies to "chick flick".
All things considered it's a pretty minor detail.
 
Re: Ghostbusters reboot: Yes, it has WOMEN

Emilia, not so wounded as we were led to belieeeeve...so much the better.

Hold on, Emila, I think my vocabulary is pretty good, but I gotta check my dictionary for a second...


Ah, let's see:

pejorative: disparaging or downgrading.

Ok, got it.

Now, back to topic, let's check the definition of chick...let's see.

Uh-huh.

Slang. young woman or girl.

Which would be the female equivalent of dude or guy, which---last I checked---isn't offensive.

"Chick flick" offensive and sexist. What a laugh!
 
Re: Ghostbusters reboot: Yes, it has WOMEN

A woman offers mild criticism or feedback and then a guy yells: "HYSTERICAL WOMAN!!!"
Don't worry, Em, nothing a couple of sessions of electroshock therapy won't cure.

I'm trying to come up with ways for how to avoid that issue. How to voice mild criticism as a woman without being called hysterical:
- Do it while being naked?
- Not threaten to drown people in your menstrual blood?
- Add some typos so the man won't feel intellectually threatened?
- Change profile to appear male and deal with the "White Knight"-accusations?

I'm open to suggestions.
 
Re: Ghostbusters reboot: Yes, it has WOMEN

A woman offers mild criticism or feedback and then a guy yells: "HYSTERICAL WOMAN!!!"
Don't worry, Em, nothing a couple of sessions of electroshock therapy won't cure.

I'm trying to come up with ways for how to avoid that issue. How to voice mild criticism as a woman without being called hysterical:
- Do it while being naked?
- Not threaten to drown people in your menstrual blood?
- Add some typos so the man won't feel intellectually threatened?
- Change profile to appear male and deal with the "White Knight"-accusations?

I'm open to suggestions.

Wait, wait....

Did I miss something?

Who called you hysterical?
 
Re: Ghostbusters reboot: Yes, it has WOMEN

Emilia, not so wounded as we were led to belieeeeve...so much the better.

Hold on, Emila, I think my vocabulary is pretty good, but I gotta check my dictionary for a second...

Ah, let's see:

pejorative: disparaging or downgrading.

Ok, got it.

Now, back to topic, let's check the definition of chick...let's see.

Uh-huh.

Slang. young woman or girl.

That's intellectually lazy.

Chick:
3. Slang: Often Offensive. a term used to refer to a girl or young woman.

Source

As you can see dictionaries tend to disagree with each other. And why is that? Because language changes and actually isn't simply defined by dictionaries. Apparently plenty of people here and elsewhere have noticed the derogatory use of the term, too.
You can't hand wave that away by quoting one dictionary.

Who called you hysterical?

In case you missed it I'm having fun with the fact that somebody called my post "outraged" so I'm exaggerating for effect.
Hint: I don't actually drown men in my menstrual blood.*




* At least there's no proof.
 
Re: Ghostbusters reboot: Yes, it has WOMEN

I think "chick" on it's own is not the most flattering term but I don't see Chick flick as sexist language. It means "a movie that will appeal to women more than men". It's a slang term.

I don't really have any strong opinion one way or the other. The fact that the term "chick flick" includes a word ("chick") that is often used in a dismissive way might indicate that the same applies to "chick flick".
All things considered it's a pretty minor detail.
Chick, I agree with. I'm not sure about "Chick Flick" as our acceptance and non acceptance of words change over time. Chick Flick seems to be used in popular culture. In future maybe not.

If anyone wants to call action movies like 'The Expendables' "Dick flicks" i'm cool with that though.
 
Re: Ghostbusters reboot: Yes, it has WOMEN

Chick, I agree with. I'm not sure about "Chick Flick" as our acceptance and non acceptance of words change over time. Chick Flick seems to be used in popular culture. In future maybe not.

Right, as I said: No strong opinion one way or the other but I figured it's interesting to consider.

If anyone wants to call action movies like 'The Expendables' "Dick flicks" i'm cool with that though.

Movies for people who want to flick dicks?

Oh...
 
Re: Ghostbusters reboot: Yes, it has WOMEN

A woman offers mild criticism or feedback and then a guy yells: "HYSTERICAL WOMAN!!!"
Don't worry, Em, nothing a couple of sessions of electroshock therapy won't cure.

I'm trying to come up with ways for how to avoid that issue. How to voice mild criticism as a woman without being called hysterical:
- Do it while being naked?
- Not threaten to drown people in your menstrual blood?
- Add some typos so the man won't feel intellectually threatened?
- Change profile to appear male and deal with the "White Knight"-accusations?

I'm open to suggestions.
Yeah, I don't know where I got the "I must be outraged by something, so I'll be outraged by everything!" comment from.

But it's okay, go ahead and tell us how you're not really bothered by it, despite every single thing you post screaming otherwise.

Language changes. "Chick" is not a respectful or appropriate way to refer to women in general. If you personally know women who are fine with it, that's okay. They're allowed to decide for themselves. Doesn't mean it's okay as a general rule.

If we want to talk about dictionaries, here's one. Note how most of the usages of "chick" applying to women are considered offensive.

As I said: language changes. Deal with it.
First, yes, language most DEFINITELY changes. You're the ones who are refusing to see that.

Second, clearly you didn't actually read your link. Or, more correctly, you failed to notice the words "often" and "usually." Hint: Those aren't synonyms for "always."

Third, it is okay as a general rule because "chick flick" is a general fucking term in common usage. The only people who make it offensive are those so desperately eager to be offended that they make a big deal out of it. Hint: That's people like you.

Likewise, any word can be offensive or pejorative. "Girl" or "woman" can be used just as easily as "chick" in any -- literally any -- declaration someone makes if they're intending their comment to be offensive.

Finally, you don't have the right to not be offended. Crying and weeping in response to anything and everything that upsets or insults you personally is just pathetic, especially when its something as absolutely minor and inoffensive as a term like "chick flick."

That's the only reason? I don't think so.
Yes, it really is the only reason its called a "chick flick." It's cute, memorable, and catchy. Feel free to come up with a variation that uses a largely innocent term for "man" that also rhymes. Personally, I can't think of any movie-related rhymes for "dude," "guy," or even "metrosexual." If you succeed, however, I guarantee it'll catch on, too.

For those interested in how the term 'chick flick' came to be, there's this, from http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/chick-flick.html [underlining mine]:

<A bunch of interesting stuff>

By 1995, 'chick flick' was well established. In December that year The Syracuse Herald Journal ran a review piece in which they invited a group of young women to review two recent films by Demi Moore. That included comments on the film Now and Then, starring Demi Moore and Melanie Griffith, reviewed by Katie Racculia:

"For guys, it's just another mind numbing 'chick flick.' But for us, the members of the fine female sex, 'Now and Then' is a funny, touching story where we can see a bit of ourselves and our friends in the characters."​
The intended put-down could hardly be plainer. :shrug:
First, did you even read the first line of that article? Here, let me quote it for you: "A film with characterization and storylines that appeal especially to women." Oh, the offense! The tragedy! The horror! I'm drowning in menstrual blood!

Second, I love how you completely cut out the rest of the article, all of which shows just how innocent the term is. And what you did post? Shows women using the term with a negative connotation, not men, and worse? They're putting the words into a man's mouth simply because of...

Third, yes, "chick flick" is often used with distaste by a lot of guys. In exactly the same way a lot of women roll their eyes at movies aimed at guys. I'll repeat that: In exactly the same way a lot of women roll their eyes at movies aimed at guys. Not because they're using "chick" as some kind of offensive term, but because those types of movies are not in any way appealing to them. Their insulting the type of movie, not women.

Does that make "guy movie" an offensive term? It should, shouldn't it? No matter who says it, why they say it, or how they say it.

If not, you're just being a massive hypocrite.
 
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