Unless you have no access to social media of some kind, you have probably heard about the “campaign” to BAN the word “Bossy” from our vocabulary.
I kid you not. It is big and growing.
Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer for Facebook, has help from an onslaught of celebrities to ban this offensive word.
Why?
They claim it is because it discourages young girls from growing into leadership roles.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Sandberg calls it “…the other ‘B’ word”.
Yet statistics show that girls outperform boys academically.
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, CNN foreign correspondent Christiane Amanpour, and Girls Scouts USA CFO Anna Maria Chavez are just some of the supporters in this campaign.
Excuse me, I forget one leading role model for girls that is backing this effort: Beyoncé.
Here is a quote from their website, banbossy.com that states their agenda:
“When a little boy asserts himself, he’s called a ‘leader’. Yet when a little girl does the same, she risks being branded ‘bossy’. Words like bossy send a message: don’t raise your hand or speak up. By middle school, girls are less interested in leading than boys—a trend that continues into adulthood. Together we can encourage girls to lead.”
Then directly below the statement is a button to push, I will #banbossy.
I find this entire movement ridiculous, if not laughable. Especially coming from women that supposedly push for equal rights and freedom for all; now they are championing censorship? These same women got to where they are in life by being aggressive, most of them were bossy, take-charge kind of gals who worked hard and pushed their way to the top. Why do they want to limit others who want to do the same?
Would it not be better to have a campaign, to encourage young girls to be leaders instead of teaching them to be combative, argumentative and word-banning enthusiasts?
I might not be the bossy type, but I know a lot of so-called bossy women. I can guarantee you that being called bossy is not going to keep them from being bossy!
Sheryl Sandberg, who must have way too much time on her hands, is putting into the minds of young girls that they are “lesser” and not being treated equally in society.
You cannot ban personalities.
She, and those joining her in this crusade, could spend their time on more educational outlets and more worthwhile causes such as abortion. Think of the millions of leaders that have been aborted over the last several decades! What differences could they have made in this world?
Teach our girls, and boys, to be strong leaders, to believe in country, in humanity and to get all of the education they can to make America a better place.
How bossy can you be by starting a national movement insisting on banning a word from the English language?
What is next? Banning books that have the word “bossy” in them? Forbidding us to use the word in speech? Sound crazy? Yes, but this irrational feminist agenda is encroaching more and more on our rights and way of life.
Most young girls, and women, do not go to bed at night in tears because someone called them “bossy”.
Of course there are “bullies” in all walks of life, on the playground and in the boardroom alike. We can raise our children, and teach our young people in our homes, churches, and hopefully schools, and make them strong leaders that stand up for what is right. But being bossy and being a bully are two different things.
Bossy, or demanding and overbearing people, men and women, are not apt to change. Some of them make great leaders, some are just plain annoying, but they aren’t to be done away with or made to become outcasts in society.
Beyoncé does not hesitate to use the other “B”word, in a derogatory manner, throughout her music videos. Why is that not offensive and degrading to young girls and women alike?
She reached the lowest of the low with her display of “raunchy” at this year’s Grammy Awards. Many celebrities, whether conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat, feminist or not, were shocked and even embarrassed by her public display; which was definitely not suited for prime-time. Or any time.
I am much more offended by that “B” word than the one they are getting all upset over, and spending millions in advertising to do away with.
Back in January, Beyoncé posted a picture of herself on Instagram sitting in front of a mural of The Last Supper. She is placed front and center, covering up Jesus.
It is no secret she considers herself The Boss, and says so in promotional video for #BanBossy!! “I’m not bossy, I’m the Boss”, struts the pop “queen”.
She is right about that, she is bossy. The lyrics to her song, “Bow Down”, are totally outrageous, and if anything imposes degradation on young girls, that song would be the lead effort.
Is this a role model for young girls?
When celebrities such as Oprah, bow at her feet, giving her the title, “Preeminent Mistress of the Universe”, and mean it, we are truly a sorry country indeed.
Oprah, in her interview with Beyoncé, touting the release of her “Life is But a Dream” debut on HBO, suggests that Beyoncé’s presence is the cause behind the lights going out at the SuperBowl. She says,
“It was the moment art met God.” I protest, Oprah. Not the God I serve!
Millions idolize Oprah, who herself idolizes Beyoncé.
Give us some real role models, Sheryl Sandberg. Spend that money on some worthwhile efforts that will actually teach our young people leadership skills, not more hate.
Take on some meaningful causes that will actually benefit our young people and not mess up their minds by flaunting highly overrated, and grossly inappropriate performers, such as Beyoncé.
This country used to be founded upon high principles and morals…we know that we are living in an evil day. The Bible prophesied it thousands of years ago. But this downward spiral doesn’t keep us from proclaiming what is right, just and holy.
We had better be careful what, and who, we let influence our minds and the minds of our children.
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Wonderful thoughts! You really can’t change people but of course you can direct your children. Bossy people are everywhere, you learn to deal with them and expect it…or be bossy back! lol Thanks for stopping by and for Making Your Home Sing!
Amen, there is a way to handle things like that and it shouldn’t have been done by a stranger! A right spirit goes a long way toward reconciliation. Blessings for stopping by Anna!
Yes it is a balance Jen. We can rise and be what God has called us to be and still have a right spirit. Well said!
“How bossy can you be by starting a national movement insisting on banning a word from the English language?” This part made me laugh, lol! Great post!
At my son’s job there was a woman who everyone called “bossy.” You know what, she WAS bossy. He and others didn’t like it because she was brand new and didn’t really know how things were done, but was bossing everyone around telling them what to do anyway. At least, that’s how THEY saw it.
But the leadership liked it and eventually she was promoted over several people who had been there longer. As you said, you can’t change personality.
I don’t know why they want to ban the word. So someone’s bossy. So what? I really don’t think the girls are going to be afraid to speak up because of fear or being labeled bossy. It’s not in their nature!
And men that speak up aren’t necessarily labeled a leader. Sometimes they’re called arrogant. I just think that these people worry to much and try to legislate too much, lol! Thanks for linking up to Making Your Home Sing Monday!
I read your post – and that of Matt Walsh on this topic early this week, and I agree that this “ban” is censorship, and not good. But, then, I was at a playground with my very little girl, and she was being bossy! And, an adult took it upon herself to say something quite mean spirited to my daughter about her mistake (she didn’t use the word “bossy” but she got the point across. That made me re-think this whole issue. I’m opposed to censorship & political correctness, but I also think that as Christians we should oppose nasty comments to others – period – whether or not the “shoe fits” the person we’re speaking to. There should always be a kind & helpful way to help another out of her sin or fault.
“You can’t ban personality”…yes! I have two confident daughters and it can be such a balance to encourage leadership while not creating “bossy” daughters. So glad we live in this season where women can rise and be all God has called them to be, while still remaining humble, and submission to God and others. UNITED in Him, Jen
Nice to meet you too Angela! Thank you for your thoughts. ♥
Thank you Sarah! Love Thankful Thursday!
Sometimes things are better off in our peripheral! Ha. Our world truly does misplace efforts and focus. Thank you so much Mary!
Thank you Shandra, so happy you stopped by! Blessings friend!
I just read your post on #banbossy. LOVED IT!! Wonderful thoughts and perspective Rachel. Blessings.
Blissfully unaware…I love that! Love your suggestions for getting rid of more important things. And a servant campaign? Awesome! ♥
Wonderful perspective Holly! Thank you so much for sharing. God has given you a powerful voice to spread the Good News!
I think some dictionaries use the cow as an example of Bossy, Hazel! Love that you had one! But you are right, sometimes it is just taking charge, sometimes bossy is annoying too, lol. But it’s not worth a campaign to ban the word, there are certainly a lot worse things to be called! Blessings!
As one of those bossy females I find this rather ridiculous and amusing. You are right. I’m going to be bossy whether it’s called bossy or not. Haha. Found you through the friendship hop. Nice to meet you.
Angela @ TIme with A & N
I hadn’t actually heard of this movement, but I am with you on this one! Thanks for sharing and linking up with me today!
I did hear a rumbling of this movement but not being one who is always up on current events it was only in my peripheral vision. Thank you for the information and insight into the “bossy” movement. Our world continues to misplace efforts and focus on what is truly important. Happy Wednesday! mary
You perspective is so insightful and thought provoking. Thank you! #TellMeAStory
Wonderfully written, and so true! Beyonce and her ilk need to understand that you can’t demand that people respect you, you can only behave in a respectable manner.
Here are my thoughts on Ban Bossy: http://trialanderrorhomeec.blogspot.com/2014/03/is-bossy-all-that-bad.html
I am so out of the mainstream culture — when I was teaching teens, I tried to keep up with things, but now i am blissfully unaware of what is going on.
I can’t exactly consider this a noble cause. I’d much rather see these women put their united efforts into saying “Let’s ban selfishness and self righteousness and sin.” There is a cause I would applaud. Leaders are servants according to Jesus. I say we start a “Let’s be a servant” campaign. What say you? 🙂
Nannette, I too feel that this “campaign” is more about raising awareness to how language affects all of us. I have seen women who exhibit leadership skills be silenced in the world and in the church by words like bossy. I’ve seen women’s integrity and motives questioned because they were doing what God asked them to do.
Personally, I have been called names for having a strong personality, a well-defined voice, and leadership skills. I’ve been accused of leading others astray because of my theological views on issues of opinion.
Those words hurt. A lot. And they tempt me to change who I am…who God made me to be. They tempt me to be quiet, to dismiss my calling, to not use the gifts God has given me. Words are very powerful. The way we sometimes use them to hurt and silence others is very powerful as well. And unfortunately, this happens to women way more than it happens to men.
Thank you for linking up to Testimony Tuesday! Always good to see your face and hear your voice in our community! Much love, friend.
We once owned a cow names Bossy! She made a lot of noise, so we had to move her to the country. I tend to be bossy and that is another word for “Taking charge” and getting it done. Ophra is a follower of wickedness and She is leading a lot of deceived persons into spiritual darkness. Thank you for sharing with us here at “Tell Me a Story.”
Good thoughts Sharon. I don’t want to have too much “selfie”! Help me, Lord. And..thanks for the compliment…I think! Lol! Not my comfort zone for sure. I had better stick to what I know best 🙂
Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment Rebecca! I appreciate your insight. My take on the movement to ban the word “bossy” comes directly from the video that they have marketed…one of the women literally says, “Let’s ban the word ‘bossy’.” Here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dynbzMlCcw It’s at the 33 second mark.
I do agree with you that it is not suggesting everyone should be bossy. I apologize if that was misunderstood. I just don’t think calling someone “bossy” is going to keep them from being a leader, or make them feel inadequate. And if we need to think twice before saying it, we should think twice before saying it to anyone, girl or boy. I think they are trying to make something out of nothing. I doubt at the end of the day that little girls all over America come home crying because they were called “bossy”, or hold that in and decide they cannot ever assert themselves again.
But we can agree to disagree, friend! Blessings!
I understood the movement to mean that the same behaviors which are called bossy in girls, are called leadership in boys. So, when girls take charge they’re called bossy, but a boy doing the same thing is called a leader. I did not understand the movement to mean that we are encouraging people to be bossy. On the contrary, it is suggesting that perhaps many young girls are not actually bossy, but rather exhibiting the same behaviors as boys and being reprimanded in a way which is not equitable, but rather, gender biased. So ironically, the girls are the ones who are being censored, because adults dismiss their taking charge with the word bossy. But, if it were a boy doing the same thing he would be called a leader. The campaign is asking us to question whether the language we use with girls is fair and accurate, it is not suggesting that everyone should be bossy. Nor is it suggesting we literally ban the word bossy, only that we think twice before saying it to a girl. It is a figurative phrase, not a literal one. I think you misinterpreted it?
I had heard nothing about this *ban bossy* movement! Wow. I have to agree that sometimes strong women have been minimized and labeled, but this movement seems to be throwing pebbles at a deeper, more insidious problem. We should only boast in the Lord, and it is His strength which should manifest itself in our lives.
Celebs make me nauseous – so much *selfie* in them. But, we have the same sinful nature – so it behooves us to focus on the Lord and His ways. Through His Holy Spirit, we can indeed become all He intended us to be.
GOD BLESS!
(Might I just say that you look pretty good up on that soapbox?!)
It is ridiculous Caroline, there are so many more important things in this world!
Thank you Kristen for stopping by today. God is good!
Wonderful insights Lisa. Help me not to have a prideful or haughty spirit, Lord!
Thank you Alana…I agree with you, we need to get back to the Word! I wonder if I love it enough to be consumed with it?
Hello Monique! Always good to hear your thoughts. Love the line “Satan counterfeits everything God does.”
Amen, sister! When I started seeing the “ban bossy” stuff floating around, I’ve mostly ignored it. It seems ridiculous, and I’m so glad you put you shared your thoughts.
Definitely agree! And you worded it much better than I ever could! 🙂 Blessings to you!
I haven’t thought of it as being bossy to tell everyone to ban “bossy.” 🙂 Nobody likes bossiness in women OR men so eradicating that behavior is fine with me. But getting rid of the word itself won’t do much…. Only Jesus can overcome our pride that causes us to be bossy in the first place. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Candace Jo.
Thank you Shelly! Blessings to you friend. Enjoy Renewed daily so much.
Amen! We are able to decipher for ourselves, thank the Lord! Enjoyed your post Jen.
I totally agree. It’s such a ridiculous campaign. God help us get back to His Word!
I saw this banbossy thing around on you tube but never paid any attention to it. Now as I read your post what I receive from it is that these people are teaching young women to be rebellious. We as women are suppose to be submissive and meek according to the word of GOD. Beyonce is pouring out this rebellious spirit onto the youth. We truly are living in the last days,when things such as abortions are getting looked over for a campaign that’s so small.Truly just another distraction to keep women from actually reading the bible. Satan counterfeits everything God does. God has placed man in authority so satan wants to switch that place women in authority. We must pray for our young girls so they can grow up with a meek and humble spirit. Thanks for this post. It is a very BOLD post but truly it is needed. Beyonce does not”run the world. But our soon coming king Jesus Christ will rule for eternity. Also we must pray for beyonces soul as well. That she repents from the darkness and delusion she is in. Blessings:)
Nanette, AMEN and AMEN!! To everything you said! Definitely sharing this great post. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Nannette- Great post and we are totally on the same wavelength with this issue. I am really tired of having the media/stars tell the rest of us how we ought to live our lives and even who we should vote for or listen to. I think not!
Thank you Cheryl. I, too, long for revival and awakening in our world. “How far we have drifted from where we started.” So true!
Amen Marcia, they cannot ban the word no matter how hard they try. It’s a crazy world these days! Thank you for Feature Friday, excited about it!
Thank you Heather…a little out of my comfort zone but hey, I can speak up too! The enemy uses the craziest ways to mislead people today, and they fall so easily! Thank you for stopping by and your words of wisdom. ♥
That was me Timmi, didn’t know if it was funny or aggravating. I believe it is both. I will go see what Matt Walsh had to say too! I agree with your assessment of your daughter. You cannot change personalities! But of course as parents you can point them in the right direction. Blessings!
You’re so right, Nannette – they can give it another name, but bossy will always be bossy no matter what they call it. Ridiculous! Thanks so very much for linking this to Feature Friday this week! 😀
Nanette,
Great BOLD post. Most women – Christians included – do NOT want to admit they let themselves and their children fall into traps such as these agendas.
And really… in the big scheme of things… it isn’t about the word “bossy”, but instead about changing everything that’s right to wrong and vice versa. Double speak.
Sure females are treated worse then males, but is this the most important thing to have a voice against? I say a resounding NO!
Babies die every day via abortion, children are being mislead, and our world moral system is not led by God. All tactics of an enemy who is so dumb he’s labeled smart. If course, he knows the Bible better than most Christians… so it stands to make sense why backwards is now the way Believers have to live if they care.
I actually that it was some hoaxy thing and can’t help but laugh and be irritated by it at the same time. Really this is a problem? Matt Walsh said some wonderful things as well about it. My daughter is dare I say bossy! Sometimes it gets out of hand but that is just her personality I cannot change it and I would rather she grows up to be called bossy over some other words that girls are even calling each other even their friends. I can’t help but think many use the b word just like friend or sister, but call her bossy and its degrading.
Oh, I can FEEL the burden upon your heart! You are so on target with everything you said, and I so appreciate you speaking what is real truth. How I long to see God move and work among His people and send an awakening from the apathy that has taken over our nation! We surely will give an account of what we permit in our lives and what we allow our precious children to partake of. God has entrusted their souls and upbringing to our keeping, and may He help us to stay strong and keep a firm resolve to live holy lives and protect and guard what we allow in our homes and in their lives. How far we have drifted from where we started! Surely Jesus is coming back after a holy church, without spot and wrinkle. I want to be in the number that is caught up with Him in the air! Love you, dear sister!