The always awesome Vas Littlecrow on Feminism 101: Helpful Hints for Feminists Who Refer To Men as Dudes:
Finally, just as “babe” and “chick” are semi-derogatory terms that potentially minimize women, so are “dude” and “boy.” While these terms are fun for casual use, they aren’t always appropriate. When you try to explain feminist ideology to a man, address him with the same respect that you’d expect to be treated with as a woman. Don’t minimize him. Don’t grant him privileges or power that you don’t want him to have. Treat him as your equal and honor what feminism is supposed to be all about — a path towards egalitarianism.
I find this "dude" business extremely annoying. I'm not talking about people who call EVERYONE dude. I'm specifically referring to feminists who refer to any man they are speaking with as "dude". It exposes both a maturity problem and general lack of respect for men on the part of those feminists who use it regularly. When a feminist calls me "dude", I know immediately that they do not see me as an equal, an adult or even a human being worthy of respect. They are not interested in talking with me, but rather in talking at or down to me. At that point, I lose all respect for said feminist and I could care less about what she has to say going forward. Where she may have been able to foster another ally, she has instead slammed a door shut in her own face.
I have plenty of respectful, mature and worthwhile feminists in the ranks of my friends. I have no need for condescending, bigoted feminists who cannot even muster enough maturity to talk to men like they are human beings.
Is it really so hard? Or are we just plain unworthy of being treated with the same respect they righfully demand for themselves?
Someone really needs to get a fucking clue already. Just. Stop. It.
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