MIM Notes 187 June 1 1999

LETTERS

Is 'wimmin' a derogatory term?

Dear MIM,

Is "wimmin" a slang term for women? If so, I am 
curious to know why it was used. It seems 
derogatory.

--a reader in the midwest

MIM responds: We are responding to this question 
publicly in MIM Notes because we have a 
responsibility to use the most revolutionary 
language we can and to help shape public 
consciousness around this language. MIM has been 
using the term wimmin for about a year now as a 
statement against the idea that wimmin are just 
an addendum to men. The term women suggests this 
interpretation. 

As a revolutionary feminist organization we 
embrace terminology that puts forward our views 
from the denunciation of the U.$. to our refusal 
to promote integrationism of "African Americans" 
instead preferring the term Black to our 
promotion of revolutionary feminism with the 
term wimmin.

MIM always seeks to improve our use of language 
as a cultural tool of revolutionary influence 
and we welcome suggestions and comments from our 
readers. Many of the language changes we have 
made have come in response to feedback from our 
readers.