I recently opened my phone and received the familiar message from one of my friends: “Do you know this guy from UNC? I just met him.” If I hadn’t been so adept at the art of gossip, she might have just ignored her. But at her request, I was able to reveal everything to her and let her know that he is not actually a creep and that she is comfortable enough to date him. I felt safe.
Everyday chatter and conversations about people’s daily lives can sum up the college experience. Gossiping is something we do every day, whether we realize it or not. It encourages walks to class, lunch meetings, coffee dates, etc., and while it has a negative connotation, it’s not necessarily a bad thing.
I’m not advocating anything malicious. I feel uncomfortable and angry when people say unnecessary things like, “That person doesn’t look good,” or “She’s gained a lot of weight.” These words usually have no meaning or benefit. In addition to the roots of misogyny, which can have a negative impact on your life in the first place, untrue gossip can give you a bad reputation.
Gossip is almost universal, but has been seen historically Mainly as entertainment for women. Society views gossip as something women do while going to the nail salon, shopping, or taking a walk. Therefore, the accusation of gossip is rooted in an underlying misogyny. However, men also gossip, but they don’t seem to be criticized for it.
Arguably, gossip is inherently feminine and has long been one of the only ways for women to express their voices and exercise their power. I’m not talking about the neighborhood mom who spreads gossip like wildfire, or the one girl who spreads her business to anyone who will listen, but rather the largely banned We’re talking about the idea of gossip in favor of voices.
One of the most influential movements of the 21st century and a major step for feminism It all started with a #MeToo tweet It could be considered gossip. Women have long shared stories of sexual assault and violence in supposedly pointless gossip sessions, but those who speak out in public are often labeled as liars spreading false information. Ta.Sharing stories or mentioning experiences that were and still are considered taboo It is a way for women to communicate, connect with others, and find healing.
Renowned anthropologist and psychologist Robin Dunbar published a revolutionary book in 1996 titled “.Grooming, gossip, and the evolution of language” He talks about how gossip is part of the social order and a way to bring communities together. Dunbar emphasizes that disseminating valuable information and strengthening bonds through interesting discussions are part of our essential human nature.
It’s time we recognized the difference between negative and positive gossip and encouraged women to talk about their lives, relationships, and express genuine care and concern for the well-being of their friends in serious situations. It’s time to stop blaming. There is a compassionate intention, and gossip has been demonized by society as a dishonorable and unimportant feminine activity.
Spreading negative gossip and misinformation with intentional malice is quite different from gossip as a discussion of life events. Purposeful gossip can create a positive feedback loop of general concern for someone’s well-being, or it can give a voice to someone who otherwise wouldn’t have a voice.
