If I could permanently ban one word from the English language, it would be the c‑word. I will not even write it out, because just seeing it makes my skin crawl. It’s a violent, sexual slur for women that reduces us to objects instead of whole people. Whenever someone uses it, it feels completely disrespectful and dehumanizing, and it brings up a lot of trauma for me.

The world would lose nothing if that word disappeared forever. Instead, I wish we’d use words that lift women up and honor our worth in a way that is kind, respectful, and humanizing.

Even if I am talking about someone in a negative light, I still want to choose words that are not degrading and do not dishonor women. There are plenty of ways to say we are angry or hurt without using language that strips away someone’s dignity.