Feminists

I have read on DU that words can't hurt you unless you let them.
Only the anti-woman words get this crap. All the other anti-minority slurs are not tolerated.

Hint hint, ladies.

I have read on DU that people have free speech, and that feminists are trying to infringe on that right.
People who trot that out don't understand what 'free speech' even means.

I have read on DU that feminists who point out sexist speech are "pearl clutchers" are "getting the vapors" and "need a fainting couch".
Yes, well they would like anyone who threatens their entitlement to use anti-woman slurs to STFU. Apparently using those words is just really really really really really really important. It should be rather easy to accept that they're not allowed to use ANY anti-minority slurs... yes, even the ones about women.

I have read on DU that there are special contexts and circumstances where sexist slurs should be allowed on DU.
Think about how hard people are fighting for the right to use anti-woman slurs. Think about how nobody is fighting for the right to use words like n*****, r**ard, ch***, sp**, etc. Think about what that says about our cuture, and how deeply ingrained misogyny is in each of us.

I am not surprised at all that people are just about begging and pleading for the right to say things like "stop bitching so much"... even though the meaning is no different than any other anti-woman slur. Power concedes nothing without a demand.

You'd think something really really meaningful and significant was being asked. You'd think they were being asked to extend some massive amount of effort. But no, all that's being asked is to stop using hateful anti-woman insults. It doesn't seem to chap anyone's hide that they can't use other slurs, but for some reason, this is different to some people.

I have read on DU that pointing out the use of this sexist language is detrimental to feminism, essentially minimizing more pervasive forms of sexism.
Anti-woman language is one of the most pervasive forms of sexism IMO. Even feminists fall back into it because that's how insidious it is. It affects the way we *think* about women. It is rather a fundamental issue, but since it's almost invisible to people they consider it petty.

How, would you respond to a poster who retorts in any of the ways above, when you bring to their attention that the words/phrases they are using is sexist?
I have no idea. I try to respond to OPs and just let the rest go, because it never seems to do any good trying to explain these things. I fail often, and get into arguments, and those who think the right to use anti-woman language is some kind of sacrament just go on thinking that way.

How do you respond to other women who retort in the same fashion?
Same as above, I don't really see the point. I don't know what else can be said other than "why is it fair to use anti-woman slurs but other anti-minority slurs are not ok"... I keep hoping that very basic concept will help, all the other arguments have been said so many times. It seems just about hopeless really.