The use of the word Bitch and how it relates to the First Amendment - Essay Example

The use of the word Bitch and how it relates to the First Amendment The first amendment to the American constitution is an essential part of the freedoms guaranteed to Americans and the limitations placed on Congress. The amendment declares that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances (Wikipedia, 2008, Pg. 1)”. Of these, the freedom of speech is one clause which makes it permissible for individuals to say what they want without the government stepping in to stop them.

However, that does not mean that society cannot step in to create norms and values which prevent or place sanctions on individuals from saying certain words. ‘Bitch’ is one such word and while in meaning it only denotes a female canine, the manner in which it can be used has derogatory implications for women in general. At the same time, there are individuals who may use it without let or hindrance in their own circles where the use of this word is accepted as a part of the sub-culture they are members of.

Therefore, the use and any sanctions associated with the use of ‘bitch’ as a word depend on the culture a person belongs to and the values of the culture that can be different from place to place. Works Cited Wikipedia. 2008, ‘First Amendment to the United States Constitution’, [Online] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment