(Image source: Everyday Feminism)
Everyday Feminism, the same group that claims trigger warning is triggering and that food is cultural appropriation, has decided to take a stand against feminists using the word “neckbeard” to insult men because apparently, feminists want to create a world where there’s nothing wrong with being overweight and living in your mom’s basement.
In a post on the site, the editors at Everyday Feminism argue the use of the word “neckbeard” is “ableist,” “classist,” and “gendered.” They write:
… [A]lthough “neckbeard” is often used by feminists in response to misogyny, this cartoon makes a good point about why it’s is a misguided way to go about criticizing sexist men.
With this break-down of what’s behind this insult, you’ll understand why we can’t keep using gendered insults based on appearance. The “neckbeard” stereotype has no part in the world we’re working to build as feminists.
To present their point, Everyday Feminism includes a cartoon (with the obligatory “Patreon” mention) that explains reasons why “neckbeard” isn’t the preferred insult to use against anti-feminist men.
“Taken literally, 'neckbeard' just means someone with beard hairs growing on his neck. But what’s implied is that he’s a fat loser, lives in a basement, never had a girlfriend, and so on,” the comic reads. “I’m all for criticizing misogynists, but I have to ask--why use that word?”
“Let’s unpack 'neckbeard' and see what’s inside! Insults like ‘neckbeard’ work by associating the target of the insult with something understood to be repulsive. It’s not satisfying to call people ‘anti-feminists,’ because some people like anti-feminism. Instead, we use words that suggest things almost no one likes: ‘loser,’ ‘fat,’ ‘ugly.’ In short, ‘neckbeard.’
“But in a better society—a society most feminists want—none of the things neckbeard implies would be insults. We shouldn’t insult people for being fat, or for not being able to afford their own place, or for being single. Or for not conforming to society’s arbitrary grooming standards, for that matter.”
The comic then goes on to say the use of the word “neckbeard” is offensive to autistic people because “some (not all) autistic people have difficulty with things like earning a living, dating, and navigating arbitrary grooming rules. ‘Neckbeard’ targets exactly those traits. When we use ‘neckbeard,’ it sends a message to autistic people that they’re unwelcome. It’s ableist as hell!”
Everyday Feminism, however, does not note that it’s “ableist” to assume autistic people have trouble holding down a job, dating, and maintaining basic hygiene.
The comic also claims the use of “neckbeard” is “linked to stereotypes about class,” because grooming is allegedly related to class. As well, “neckbeard” is apparently a “gendered insult” and therefore wrong, even though the comic admits women can also grow hair.
The comic admits personal insults are to be expected during debates about feminism, but adds, "let’s at least avoid insults that devalue people for their appearance… and that can make fat people and autistic people unwelcome!”
Considering many of Everyday Feminism’s posts do exactly that—making people feel personally attacked for their appearance—the point is fairly ironic.