During the medieval ages, being a bastard child carried immense social and economic disadvantages. The stigma associated with illegitimacy was so strong that it often determined one’s ability to inherit wealth, own land and gain social status. Bastard children were considered “less than” and were often ostracized by their communities.
In contemporary times, being called a bastard has become a common way to insult an individual or express anger towards someone. The word is often used to indicate that someone is behaving in a way that is selfish, dishonest, or disloyal. However, using the word as an insult is not only rude, but it perpetuates the stigma that still surrounds the term.
Being born outside of the traditional family structure is not a choice, it is a circumstance. No one chooses to be a bastard child, just as one does not choose their race, gender or sexual orientation. It is unfair to discriminate against someone based on a characteristic that they did not choose for themselves.
Furthermore, there is no shame in being born out of wedlock. It does not define a person’s worth, intelligence, or character. It is merely a fact about their birth. Society needs to stop using the word bastard as an insult and start showing compassion and understanding towards those who were born outside the traditional family structure.
The use of the word bastard as an insult also perpetuates toxic masculinity. The word is often used to emasculate a man, suggesting that he is not a “real man” because he was not born to traditional parents. This reinforces the idea that masculinity is defined by fatherhood and that a man’s worth is determined by his ability to provide for his family. This is harmful as it puts immense pressure on men to conform to a traditional family structure and can lead to feelings of inadequacy or shame if they cannot meet these expectations.
It is essential that we start challenging assumptions and stereotypes around traditional family structures. The world is changing, and families come in all shapes and sizes. It is time we acknowledge and accept this diversity.
In conclusion, the word bastard should not be used as an insult. It is an outdated term that only perpetuates stigma and discrimination towards those who were born outside the traditional family structure. We need to move beyond these narrow ideas about what constitutes a “legitimate” family and start accepting and celebrating the diversity of family structures that exist in our society. It’s time we show compassion and understanding towards individuals who were born out of wedlock, and start treating them with the respect they deserve.