Dear Amy,

I know that feminists don't use the word "lady" when referring to women...My explanation is that "lady" used to be a classist title and also that it denotes weakness and dependence....I would appreciate your views.

Thanks,

Bren

Dear Bren,

I do think that feminists often bristle at lady the same way they do girl and it's often because it isn't used with the male equivalent -- it's often "men" and ladies -- or men and girls -- so the point of rejecting those on the principle of equality - however, what has happened is that some people -- feminists -- have realized they like these words and better that we use them than have them used against us, so they are reclaiming them. What make's them weak is that they are devalued, but if we value them that will change the landscape.

Good luck,

-- Amy