It’s horrific either way. Really good article by Maajid Nawaz on Pakistan’s anti-blasphemy culture:
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/02/01/islamicide-how-the-mullah-mafia-is-destroying-pakistan.html

I use the word frequently. Well, you have to, don’t you, with so many things to tear your patience to shreds.

Besides, ‘fuck’ is pretty much a genderless word; it can be used without necessarily indicating any intended offence to any gender.

But c*unt is different.

Surely you and A Scotsman Abroad (ASA) have noticed that it’s the word of choice many men use when they want to be as offensive to another man (or woman) as possible. And it seems, from my observations, to be more likely to be used as a term of abuse by the very men who tend to have a violent and resentful attitude to women (resentful because they want sex but don’t seem able to function well in loving relationships).

So, for what it’s worth, as a woman I find the use of ‘c*nt’ aggressive and demeaning to women. [I feel the same way – but not as strongly – about the word ‘bitch’ since that was a word that was used – in the rough area of London where I grew up – as one of the worst criticisms by women to describe other women.

Perhaps it’s different for me or for females generally. Perhaps you and ASA would merely be amused if I use male-related words and described you as a couple of dickheads, a pair of right pricks, a couple of cockheads or motherfuckers. Not that I’d do that to you both. You don’t deserve it. Although I admit ASA tests my patience fairly frequently!

I had a sneaking suspicion that you didn’t actually agree with ASA’s ‘take’ on the C word on the podcast. If I’m right, I wish you’d spoken up on behalf of women like me.

Anyway, cheers from Australia and keep up the good work!

Thanks Jan. That’s an interesting perspective I hadn’t considered. I’m not sure what truth would be worse though!

Regarding the Pakistani boy who chopped his hand off after an accusation of blasphemy. It is, as you say, a horrific story. But I think there is an aspect that has been overlooked. People are presenting it as a case of religious devotion. The reality is that in Pakistan if you are publicly accused of blasphemy your days are numbered. I don’t know what went through this poor boy’s mind. But it might be that he realised he could either lose his hand or his life.