Is Cougar a Sexist Term?

Great topic to bring up as I am sure many people will chime in their experiences and thoughts. The term cougar has become sexist only in part to the efforts of Hollywood's unrealistic portrayals of cougars. The cougar has lately been "cashed in" by Hollywood and they are milking it for what it's worth. The stereotype pokes fun at cougars (SNL's Cougar Den skit) or makes them out to be sex crazed women without substance (Cougar Club straight to DVD movie). Everyone I've spoken to hates The Cougar show on TV Land because the guys are immature and the cougar has no appeal that makes her stand out (some debate if she is even a true cougar). Which just proves that they were simply in it for the ratings, trying to pass it off as a Bachelor clone but really being more like Rock of Love. I know that there are many cougars who have taken back the name and empowered themselves with it, but until Hollywood helps their cause it will not be given the respect the cougar lifestyle so rightfully deserves.

AMEN.... "The term cougar is no longer owned by the young men that started it, but rather the sexy women to which it refers." More and more women are embracing the term cougar, that's why it's here to stay.

all i know is i am totally cougars. i don't care what you call them.

Hey There captin & DYNO your right! Please it is only over rated and quite simply undefined for "Each COugar" she has her own way about her. Which SHE should.."She has discovered it true sense of self" Therefore the way "She live's her life, from her career to love" IS indeed mush more authentic..As I said there are many different "Type's of "Cougar's" and simply we have to step up embrace the "name" and what it mean's for US!

It seems that people these days are easily insulted. In my opinion, a cougar is a magnificent creature, and I don't mind being compared to it. The term cub; however, is not the best. My husband is a red-blooded adult male, and not readily likened to any kind of a baby. We need a more appropriate term for these men.

I think that this subject gets brought up over and over again because of the media and society...not because of the cubs or cougars themselves. The media portrays cougars as beng "predators" chasing down these young men by the scores and not as anything serious, but I think "most" cougars are not the chasers, but are usually pursued by the younger man. Most of my fellow "cougar" friends can attest to this, so in that sense, it is a "sexist" term...why is it okay for an older man to date a younger woman and no one says anything (for example, The Cougar show was very controversial and I don't think the show went over very well, unfortunately, but what about Brett Michaels in "Rock of Love"...here's a 44-year-old man who had many many very young women to choose from and I never heard anyone really say, Hey, she's way too young for you about the show. My personal opinion is that a cougar is a woman who doesn't let age be a barrier to her still being vibrant, sexy, beautiful, and confident and can achieve anything she sets out to do...and while some of us do date men younger than us, it isn't all about men or sex, but about older women taking control of their lives. ;) xoxo, Cami Urban Cougar of the month March 2009 :)

Intent is everything. If a person is using the term in a derogatory way then of course, it would be sexist. If a woman is calling herself a cougar, then it would be safe to assume her intent is not derogatory therefore is not sexist. In general, the term is more Stereotypical than anything else. Then again, so is mother, wife and hottie. I don't see women standing up in arms to ban those titles. I think what the media has lost sight of here is the term was coined originally in jest, from one friend placing the title on his lady friend with humor. The idea that people try to make it more than a fun descriptive title to label women into younger men is silly. Cougars are women of all kinds, races, and financial backrounds who seek the company of youthful men. 20, 15, 10 ...the years arent the defining factor..the attitude is. Shes finding men who suit who she is and where she is in her life at the moment. The Mrs. Robinson's of yesteryear are the blame for the negativity "cougar" has received. Those cheating, prowling, unsatisfied women were social outcasts. Hence the history of bad name. The over 40 woman of today is redefining that label and updating what the majority of women want it to represent. Most being single and reclaiming their lives, financially secure, in tune with their sexuality and willing to accept a younger man to share it all with. I say let the media keep on talking, keep on portraying us in the desperate light, but eventually, with the persistence of powerful women who ban together...they will accept us, respect us and redefine the meaning for the generations to come. In twenty years, no one will see the older woman/ younger man relationship as an oddity..it will be treasured and common place.