In everyday conversations, whether in heated arguments or casual chats with friends, many women have encountered being called a “bitch.”
Meghan Markle is no stranger to this experience, and her podcast, Archetypes, shared her thoughts on the matter.
Meghan Markle on the word “bitch”
During her discussion with guests Mellody Hobson and Victoria Jackson, Meghan delved into the significance of the word and the consequences of being labeled as such.
She explained, “When people use that very charged word, they’re implying that this woman is difficult,” referring to what she calls “the b-word.”
Meghan expressed her strong aversion to the term, admitting it makes her feel physically uncomfortable.
“Labeling someone with the b-word and calling them ‘difficult’ is often a tactic to insult and dismiss them,” Meghan continued.
The Duchess highlighted that it’s particularly used against assertive women in positions of power, conveniently undermining their authority.
Meghan emphasized that this practice strips women of their power and reinforces outdated stereotypes.
Reflecting on her childhood, Meghan recalled the saying, “Sticks and stones may break your bones, but names will never hurt you.” She candidly countered this, stating, “That was just a flat-out lie. Of course, names hurt.”
However, Meghan noted that many women are now reclaiming the word. Although she’s not personally inclined to do so, she focuses on transforming the pain into purpose when the word is directed at her.
“Remind yourself of all the other words with a ‘B’ that better describe you,” she advised. “Beautiful. Blessed. Brilliant. Beguiling. Blissful. Bedazzling. Take your pick. Be that person.”
Meghan returns to podcast
Meghan Markle will soon return to the world of podcasting with a new show, despite her busy schedule of brand launches.
In partnership with Lemonada Media, her podcast will be released in 2025, a delay she plans to take advantage of to improve on her past experiences with Spotify.
In late 2020, Meghan and Prince Harry signed a $20 million deal with Spotify, leading to the creation of her podcast, Archetypes, in August 2022.
Although it got off to a strong start, the show gradually lost momentum until producing just 13 episodes before Spotify parted ways with the couple in June 2023.
Spotify executive Bill Simmons even called them “f****** grifters,” expressing frustration over an incomplete contract.
Despite her chequered past, Meghan’s return to podcasts has caught many by surprise, including royal commentators.
Announcing her partnership with Lemonada Media, Meghan revealed, “Our plan to re-release ‘Archetypes’ so that more people can now have access to it, as well as launching a dynamic new podcast, is well in the works. I’m so eager to be able to share it soon, and am overjoyed to be joining the Lemonada family.”