By Matt Underwood After Renee Good Killing, Derisive Term for White Women Spreads on the Far Right, a deeply troubling phenomenon has emerged in the wake of the tragic killing of Renee Good. The language used to describe her and, by extension, other white women, has taken a decidedly nasty turn, revealing a disturbing undercurrent of misogyny and political animosity.
Specifically, the term “AWFUL,” an acronym for Affluent White Female Urban Liberal, has gained traction within certain conservative circles. This isn’t just a casual insult; it’s a deliberate attempt to demean and dehumanize a specific group of people based on their perceived political leanings, socioeconomic status, and, crucially, their gender. The speed at which this term has spread, from social media posts by conservative commentators to mentions on AM radio, underscores the calculated nature of the attack.
The targeting of white women, particularly those with liberal views, reflects a broader trend of right-wing animus. It’s a continuation of a pattern, seen previously with other groups like Jews and Indian Americans. This time, the focus is on a demographic perceived as a threat to the “Make America Great Again” movement. The irony, of course, is that the very people using these derogatory terms often decry “cancel culture” while simultaneously attempting to cancel the reputations and dignity of others.
The use of “AWFUL” and similar terms is not just about name-calling; it’s a tactic of dehumanization. By reducing a complex individual like Renee Good to an acronym, the far right attempts to strip her of her humanity and justify the violence inflicted upon her. This is a classic playbook, reminiscent of tactics used by hate groups throughout history. Dehumanizing language always precedes violence and oppression.
The fact that this trend is being discussed in the context of the killing highlights the dangerous implications of such rhetoric. While people are entitled to their opinions, the use of such language can incite hatred and encourage violence. And it also doesn’t fit the situation. The woman was not affluent by any stretch of the imagination.
The response to the death of Renee Good, particularly from conservative commentators, has been telling. Some have focused on attacking her character and labeling her a “deranged lunatic woman.” This response stands in stark contrast to the sympathy and outrage that might be expected following a tragedy. Instead, the focus has been on exploiting the situation to further political agendas and denigrate a particular group.
It’s important to understand the broader context. A majority of college-educated women, including white women, have long been skeptical of the Trump movement. This skepticism has grown. This is what makes them a target. The fact that the target is a group of white women just reinforces the problem. The constant need to attack a certain group will eventually lead to an attack on the very people who are doing the attacking.
Furthermore, the emphasis on the “urban” aspect of the acronym is telling. It reflects a broader cultural divide, where urban areas are often viewed with suspicion and disdain by those on the right. This is a classic us-vs-them narrative, designed to create division and reinforce existing biases.
It is worth noting that the phrase “AWFUL” doesn’t even make sense. How is it that the very people who claim to have an ideology, are in fact, a bunch of pathetic people that have an obsession for their own personal failings? If the only thing that you can do is come up with a stupid acronym, then you’re a loser.
There’s an element of desperation in the right-wing’s reliance on such terms. It’s a sign that their previous tactics have failed, and they’re resorting to increasingly crude and divisive methods. The people coming up with these acronyms seem to lack the self-awareness to understand that they’re attacking a significant portion of the population. They have this insane feeling that they are going to win the day by the use of bad language. It won’t work.
The danger of this kind of rhetoric cannot be overstated. It creates an environment where violence is normalized and where the dignity and safety of certain groups are threatened. It’s crucial to recognize the insidious nature of this language and to call it out whenever it appears. Because it’s not clever. It’s just evil.