"I think that an individual's personality more than her or his gender influences how she or he responds to comments on the Internet." Azizi, I totally agree with that.

Yes, I too, know women who talk tough in public and so do I, occasionally. There are many more who wouldn't dare and even more who are conditioned not to. I also agree that "an individual's personality more than her or his gender influences how she or he responds to comments on the Internet." Thats why I enjoy it.

I did not start this conflict. I posted an article that I thought some might be interested in reading. That is all. The rest of this crap is just that. Crap. If you or anyone else wants a French feminist perspective on women and language, I'd be glad to discuss it.

Let it suffice to say that most men are conditioned to use a variety of methods to silence women and this thread says it all. Basically, women have no language. We only have a language that has been given to us by men and it is men who determine how and when we are able to use it. Since language is who we are, women are only discovering their voice and how they wish to use it.

I, too, believe that if you shout, all they can hear is shouting. I am not, however, shouting and if you or anyone else objects to my use of direct language, too bad. You don't have to read it. I'm finished 'couching' my words so that the politically correct can hear and understand. As far as I'm concerned, too many people use 'polite' language as a means of manipulation and deception. I'm sure that the wives of Bush and Cheney use very polite language.   

If you have something to say, say it. I'll be glad to listen but don't tell me how to talk. I'm sure you have had many generations of learning what to say and what not to say. Go ahead, continue to play the game but its an oppressive game and I'm not going to play it anymore. My language is who I am.