So, yes, I should have just surrendered, took the entitled heir her little pouch of privileges, made my calls to the power brokers, did my duty. I thought about that moment later on. Maybe I got overly tuned to the idea of being tough once I became Purdy's, though I must admit I've always found such language for female dogs distasteful. My mother was a second-wave feminist. I wasn't comfortable saying "cunt" until I was twenty-three, at which point, admittedly, I couldn't hold back for a time.
This excerpt offers a raw and candid reflection on the complexities of gender, entitlement, and self-awareness. The narrator's internal dialogue reveals a struggle between societal expectations and personal values. Phrases like "surrender" and "entitled scion" suggest a critique of privilege and the formulas of conformity often associated with traditional power structures. The mention of becoming "Purdy's" hints at an identity shaped by external relationships and social roles, which influence their perceptions of toughness and language. Interestingly, the narrator grapples with the appropriateness and distastefulness of certain words like "cunt," acknowledging the influence of feminist ideals embodied by their mother. This juxtaposition illuminates how language and identity are intertwined and evolving, especially for women navigating societal norms. The confession of not feeling comfortable using a provocative term until a certain age highlights personal growth and changing comfort levels within gendered communication. Overall, the excerpt underscores a personal journey through societal expectations, language, and self-acknowledgment. It challenges the reader to consider how identity, family influence, and societal pressures shape authenticity and individual expression, especially in the context of gendered language and feminist ideals.
