Bitch

        In Beverly Gross' Bitch, she examines the different usages and meanings of the word "bitch".  Gross describes the differences in meaning of the word throughout the past century.  "The metamorphosis of bitch from the context of sexuality (a carnal woman, a promiscuous woman) to temperament (an angry woman, a malicious woman) to power (a domineering woman, a competitive woman) is a touchstone to the changing position of women through this century" (80).  Being called a bitch is the most humiliating comment a woman can receive.  Gross gives a few examples in history of the use of the word bitch.  Barbara Bush referred to Geraldine Ferraro during the 1984 election as rhyming with the word "rich".  Bush obviously meant it as Ferraro being a "pushy woman" (81).  After Ernest Hemingway split up with Gertrude Stein, Stein commented that his writing was poor.  Hemingway responded by calling her a bitch.  This is different in that Hemingway feels threatened by a woman (Stein).  Gross writes about Madonna  and how she "defused" the situation of being called a bitch the best by saying, "I enjoy expressing myself" (84).  She showed that it didnt bother her. 
       I believe Gross is extremely convincing in describing the different meanings of the word "bitch".  I can relate to pretty much all of the definitions she gives in the chapter and unfortunetely, I have used the word "bitch" in a few of the contexts they are given in.  It is also true that there really is not any male equivalent of the word "bitch".  I could be called an "asshole" but its doesn't ring as harshly as a woman being called a "bitch".