Son Upset by Insults

I don't understand why this type of stuff is treated like "boys (or men) will be boys but if the subject matter was racist instead of sexist it would not be tolerated.

With the staggering amount of violence against women in this country you'd think people would be more concerned about where it comes from. Seems obvious to me, disrespect towards women in general and a society that treats women as second class citizens at best, objects at worst.

Tell to him follow his heart and do or say what he feels. This world needs more men and boys willing to stand up for the other half of the population. We tolerate behavior from our boys that is hurting our girls on a mass scale. Why?

This topic came up with my eight year old. One of his friends has started on these sorts of 'yo mama' phrases and Kiddo repeated one. I told him it sounded pretty stupid and it wasn't wise to make cracks about people's moms or anyone, for that matter. To that end, we should not make false statements about others, period, because that is a wrong thing to do. As is being unkind.

I suppose I don't take it extremely seriously. Kids do and say stupid stuff. I would rather tell him that "if it's not true, don't give it your time or energy" and move on. To me, this is a lot different than saying "suck it up" because it is a *choice* to be offended and upset. If he did get upset about something someone said about me, we'd probably have another talk in that long, ongoing conversation of what it means to be a friend to someone. People can be assholes all through life. I would encourage him not to hold onto this, but to be his own person and just not participate. I'd like to add that I have heard women and girls also say some of the meanest things ever to/about each other, so I'm not sure this is something that only females are affected by.

well, good for him for not just joining in! that's how most young teens would respond.
i do think you did right by downplaying it in that he shouldn't get seriously upset by it, but i don't know that i'd go so far as to try and make him think it's 'just' immaturity and basically okay.
we may never truly stop adolescents from using insult as wit, whether it's 'gay' being used in a derogatory fashion or 'RE-tard' or yo momma. but we don't have to condone it either.
good for you for raising a boy who doesn't think it's funny or cute to trash someone else's mom.
khairete
S.

I take it as a sign that your son is more mature than some of the company he hangs out with and he could do better in the friends department.
The thing about hanging out with idiots is some of the stupid tends to rub off on you.
If 'friends' are going to act like / talk like jerks - then he doesn't need to spend too much time with them.
Get him involved with taekwondo or some other sport or boy scouts where he can meet other people and make new friends.
It's best to overcome these things by leaving these sort of friends behind.
Maybe they'll out grow it sooner or later.
I just don't have a high tolerance for ignorant behavior.

Yes. My boys heard all those jokes but luckily didn't take them seriously. I think you handled it perfectly.