Is Being Called a Bitch a New Type of Compliment?

Very few women are true bitches when the word is used to denote a vicious mean-spirited person. The vast majority of women who have been called bitches have been women of strength and courage who used their minds to create positions of power in the world and made sane, competent contributions in business, medicine, and government. A CEO of anything is still a CEO regardless of gender. They have to make tough decisions that may not be agreeable to all who work for them. Men are not seen as bitches of course; they are seen as tough, strong, leaders. Why can't that appellation be applied to women as well? Is being called a bitch a new type of modern compliment?

Maybe, just maybe, being seen as a bitch can a good thing to be. If being a bitch means that you are a woman who expects respect, who is a force to be reckoned with in business, politics, and in life in general; if it means that you can be forceful when needed, make serious decisions, and be a leader, then it is a positive affirmation.

I asserted my own authority last week. Having made dinner reservations for four at a swank restaurant, I was annoyed to see that another party of four people, without reservations, had pushed their way to the hostess and was being led to a table. I excused myself through the crowd, walked up to maitre d' and said, firmly but pleasantly:

"I'm sorry, but that table is for my party. We have reservations for eight o'clock, we've been waiting for thirty minutes. These people just arrived and, I heard them say that they do not have a reservations. I would like you to do the right thing and seat us first."

The maitre d' then told the hostess that those without reservations would have to wait until all parties with reservations were seated. As we were being escorted to our table, I distinctly heard one of the men in the other party say, "What a bitch!"

I took it as a compliment.