How is this not misogyny?
If you think this is ok, you need to go here.
Again, I do not defend Palin because I agree with her. I defend her from misogyny as I would any woman because that is what feminists and true progessives do.
If you cannot read the words, sorry for the small type. Here they are:
- Sarah Palin makes sexism sexy
- Cross party lines with your own inflatable running mate
- Three ways to do this doll. mouth, pussy or ass
- Give her a mouthful
- Blow her up and show her how you're going to vote
- Let her pound your gavel over and over
- Bypass the Bush and have some MILF
- It's time some male interns caused a scandal in the Capitol
- She's the hottest thing to come out of Alaska in years
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First Spouses of Alaska. One of these is not like the others.
As you look at this photo, consider why some women are willing to vote for a woman who doesn't share their values in the hopes of a similar photo featuring the likes of Tipper Gore and Betty Ford and the VP's Dude.
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Feminist women who are voting for McCain fascinate me. I study them because I suspect my mother is one of them. I have written it here before and it remains true, my mother would vote for a skunk before Obama due to his sexism and his failure to stand up against the media misogyny in the primary. (Please don't try to say Obama didn't do the tone deaf sexist things he did. Feeling blue, periodically, claws out, sweetie, tea parties, that is a phone in my pocket, mental health is not a reason for abortion, etc, etc )
Revisting Dr. Long, a feminist voting McCain, here is her response to those who say she is not a feminist or that feminism is dead. Please read what she has to say below as the point is trying to understand her mindset. If you cannot understand where people are coming from how can you possibly expect to change their minds?
I made two sentences bold because I think they are the heart of Dr. Long's problem with the Democratic Party. I have similar problems with the Democratic party especially the held hostage by Roe portion which when added to the FISA vote, the unthinking No Banker Left Behind Bill, the hypocritical War on Drugs, the failure to impeach both Bush and Cheney, and everything else has me voting third party for president.
From Dr. Lynette Long:
Two weeks ago I published an article on my blog entitled, “THE X FACTOR.” The article went viral and is posted on dozens of blogs. I have received over 1,000 emails commenting on my position as a liberal Democrat voting for McCain-Palin. Most of the emails agreed with my position, but others called me Benedict Arnold, Lipstick Lady or Bill O’Reilly’s new squeeze. My loyalty to the progressive women’s movement has been challenged because I have chosen to try a different approach to fight for women’s rights. I want to start by squashing all rumors. No I am not stupid. No I am not a closet Republican. And yes I understand the possible implications on Roe v. Wade by supporting a McCain-Palin ticket.
A few days after posting the article I delivered a shortened version of the speech at a McCain-Palin Rally. An executive member of the National Organization for Women contacted me the very next day. It was a friendly conversation tinted with sarcasm. “How do you feel about your speech?” she asked me. “Great.” I responded. “Why shouldn’t I feel great? I gave a speech about women’s rights in front of a large audience. I highlighted the underrepresentation of women in every branch of government, the sexism in the media, and the unfair treatment of Hillary Clinton by the Democratic Party.” “Where did you give your speech?” A rhetorical question deserved a quip answer, “Before thirty-thousand Americans.” Republicans are Americans, aren’t they? “By speaking at a McCain-Palin event people will think you are endorsing McCain.” That’s the point, I am endorsing McCain-Palin.
I tried to explain to my comrade in arms that we have the same goals and that I stand on the same side of the issues with most other feminists. I am strongly pro-choice and will fight anyone who tries to interfere with a woman’s reproductive freedom. I believe in the economic and educational advancement of women. I believe in equal opportunity and equal pay for equal work. I believe in equal representation for women at all levels of government. I believe that only by achieving gender parity in the House, the Senate, the President’s cabinet and on the Supreme Court can women achieve real equality. The problem is not where we want to end up, but how we are going to get there.
I take offense that people think if I vote McCain-Palin that I am not a feminist. If I am anything, I am a feminist.
- I have worked an entire lifetime to further feminist causes. My first professional job was teaching remedial high school math to girls. I started a web-based business called color Math Pink to promote math achievement for girls and I was selected by the American Girl company to write Mathsmarts, a math strategy book for girls. If I am anything, I am a feminist.
- I have researched sex-role stereotyping and gender issues and published dozens of articles in trade and professional journals including Working Mother, Essence, and Ms. If I am anything, I am a feminist.
- I have fought for the rights of women rights every single day of my life. I point out the dearth of photos of women in the New York Times to the lucky person who sits next to me on an airplane, the lack of pictures of women on money to the wait staff at a diner, and I have been in a decade-long fight with the United States Post Office to put more pictures of women on postage stamps. If I am anything, I am a feminist.
- I coined the term “latchkey children” and defended the rights of women to work on national level. I have assisted numerous projects to improve the quality of childcare so that mothers could work and not worry about the safety of their children. If I am anything, I am a feminist.
- I am passionately pro-choice but I also think that it is not always a psychologically free choice. I have written a play which deals with the psychological complexities of abortion entitled, One in Two, which has been performed in New York, New Jersey, and Washington DC. If I am anything, I am a feminist.
I have spent decades coaching women on how to achieve more power in their personal relationships and in the workplace. If I am anything, I am a feminist.
I am voting for McCain-Palin and I am a feminist. Many feminists can’t understand my choice. I am not betraying the cause, the fight, the mission, because I don’t want to vote Democratic. The Democratic Party is not our ally. The Democratic Party is 60% women but it has only once selected a woman as a vice-presidential candidate and that was nearly a quarter of a century ago. We are chattel in our own party. The head of the Democratic National Committee has never been a woman. Money donated to the Women’s Leadership Fund is funneled into the Obama Victory Fund. We cannot give dominion over our bodies or ourselves to one party. Current feminist groups have no teeth because they are part and parcel of the Democratic Party. They are held hostage by Roe v. Wade. They know it and the Democratic Party knows it. The only way to regain our power is to regain our vote. The Democratic Party has no reason to earn our vote. We’ve sacrificed one choice for another.
I will by not be held hostage by the Democratic Party that turned a blind eye to the corruption in the Democratic primaries and Democratic caucuses.
I will not be held hostage by the Democratic Party that ignored a woman who got 18 million votes.
I will not be held hostage by the Democratic Party a party that was deaf, dumb and blind to the persistent and pervasive sexist attacks against Hillary Clinton.
I will not be held hostage by a Democratic Party that has never had a female head of the DNC.
I will not be threatened into submission. I will not cast my vote based on fear.
The Democratic Party cannot be rewarded for its pervasive disrespect of women. Sometimes you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet. Sometimes you have to tear down a house before you can rebuild it. Most feminists think the Democratic Party will treat them differently during the next election. There is no next time. There is only this time. Reinforcing abuse only perpetuates abuse. In any abusive relationship, you have to leave to get respect. Abusers are often charming and apologetic and hold out the hope of better behavior. But there is no then, there is only now.
I am a woman and I am a feminist. To the other feminists out there I ask, “Where is your pride or are you a victim of your own misogyny?”
I am a woman and right now I am ashamed to say, I am a feminist.
Visit my blog: Dr. Lynette Long. Also visit my Caucus Fraud analysis site.
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PS -- Feminism is not monolithic and is too big to die.
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Comments
I'll admit it is misogynistic, but it is also satiristic. Cheap satire, true, but she herself has, simply because of the way she is, opened the door for these kind of attacks. If Palin was a class act, this kind of mischief wouldn't be so prevalent. You have to admit that by her totally polarizing ranting and raving, this was bound to happen.
To put it in perspective, think about the young women who are seeing this. First Senator Clinton and now Governor Palin are being heaped with sexist bigotry for daring to reach for the golden political ring. Do you think our accepting this sexism and saying Palin deserves it - which is what was said about Clinton as well - is going to encourage young women to run for office and serve their country? Was Clinton not a class act?
Also, the bashing of Palin began the day McCain announced her as his VP choice. That weekend was particularly horrible and eye opening and that abuse happened long before Palin said word one about Ayers.
What do you think about her accusations of marginalization/ghetto treatment of women by the Democratic party?
Also, I find her stance toward Roe provocative. I have long thought Roe should go as it would bestir women back into the long dormant battle for true equity in society.
The only way I'd ever warm up to Sarah Palin was if I were dunked in a vat of Sterno, and lit afire.
(rated and appreciated!)
I can't hang out today as there is a road trip in my future this afternoon and so I was hoping the folks who liked to argue would arrive early. Alas - all is sweetness and light.
(Get it Joe? Light? Sterno? Fire?)
Thanks hyblaean for stopping by. I may grumble about the lack of contrariness so far, but I do appreciate the compliment.
Gail, I have not seen you around these parts and will have to investigate you at the Table and Well being as you're a Salonista and all.
If I had taken the photo everyone would be in an arch with Mr. Palin in the center. As he is the tallest, it would have looked balanced and more natural. I'd have left the ladies in turquoise and red on the ends as their bright jackets would draw the eye to each side and insure no one was missed. The tall lady in green I'd have placed next to Mr. Palin as her height would have minimized his a little.
As marykelley already pointed out, we have a gaggle of Supreme Court justices that will need appointing soon, and abortion is only one of the feminist issues to consider. The whole raft of social issues will be shaped for many years to come by this election, and voting for McCain, for a feminist, is a classic cutting off your nose to spite your face situation.
As marykelley already pointed out, we have a gaggle of Supreme Court justices that will need appointing soon, and abortion is only one of the feminist issues to consider. The whole raft of social issues will be shaped for many years to come by this election, and voting for McCain, for a feminist, is a classic cutting off your nose to spite your face situation.
You're a riot, Alice!
Yeah, misogyny is bad. I can't look at some of it so did not click on your thoughtfully provided links. However, using Joe Blow's comment above:
"The only way I'd ever warm up to Sarah Palin was if I were dunked in a vat of Sterno, and lit afire."
I laughed at this (as I always do at Joe's fresh and funny metaphors) and then was suddenly chilled as the image of a burning man came into my imagination. "Lynching" was not always hanging.
Palin and her sidekick are fanning the dangerous flames of racism, unleashing and seemingly advocating hatred at their rallies. I find this infinitely more harmful than simple mysogyny. So, I do not criticize those who attack Palin in bad taste. Consider the target.
Peace and respect
rated (And I got that from you, LT. The original rater!)
of the world. I had already turned my back on the Dems after the
treatment of Hillary. The reaction to Sarah Palin by the snobs
on the left sealed the deal.
If McCain were President, he would HAVE to choose moderates
for the Supreme Court, no way would a Dem controlled Senate
confirm anyone else. (I think. I no longer trust them.)
So a president Obama would help women. Big Whoop.
Aren't we women lucky to get whatever he hands out?
Joe Blow-Sarah Palin is not responsible for the stupid
blow up doll.
o'stephanie: misogyny is not simple. Shirley Chisolm
(After running for Prez in the 80's) said she got a lot
more shit for being a woman than ever she did for being black.
If Senator McCain truly respected women and wanted a qualified one on the GOP ticket, he would have chosen a running mate who was, at the very least, his intellectual equal. He bypassed Kay Bailey Hutchinson and Olympia Snowe, two experienced Republican senators, for somebody who couldn't hold a candle to either one of them. Perhaps the thought of a vice president who can hold her own is more threatening than the prospect of an Other Commander-in-Chief.
(rated)
Sarah's fatal flaw, to me, isn't that she's Republican. It's that she's anti-choice. The way I see it, any law that restricts what a woman can decide to do with her own body is naturally an extension of the most patriarchal thinking -- the traditional patriarchy is based on controlling economic recourses by controlling women's movements and choices to that men could have a better-than-wild-guess idea who their actual kin were. Anyone who wants to restrict a woman's choice as to how to handle a pregnancy automatically put women back into that framework. It takes away her autonomy and personhood and hands all her decision making back over to men, who have agendas that aren't always going to be in the woman's best interest.
Palin's extreme view of abortion -- outlawing it even in cases of rape and incest -- seems like a perfectly good example of an idea that is fundamentally anti-woman.
The more I read, the more convinced I am that Roe will never be overturned. Too many cases rely on it and it makes raising money too easy for the Republicans.
I am not sure about feminism demanding choice. I support choice up and until birth. So I am very radical on the issue, but I can understand those who believe third trimester is murder. I do not agree, but I can understand.
o'stephanie, I am in the turn the other cheek camp on Palin. She could burn Obama in effigy and I would condemn her loudly for it, but even if she did something that racist and heinous I would still defend her from sexism because that is what feminists and progressives do. Sexism is not acceptable even in the cases of Coulter or Malkin. It lessens all women when it goes unchallenged.
Doctor Hollis-Perry, the last sentence in the post is mine, not Dr. Long's and I appreciate your agreement.
KellyLark, please bring it on. I am casting about for tactics to use on my mother. Early voting has already started in Texas and she goes to the polls tomorrow, so the clock is ticking. You are an original thinker and I might be able to use your arguments. And you know I love a good scrap.
So is the blow-up doll misogynistic? Does its existence demonstrate a hatred for women on the part of those who made it, or those who buy it? Only if all such dolls-as-sex-aids are misogynistic. Sexist? Maybe, but, as with porn and the sex industry in general, the fact that there is a market for sexually-oriented images, paraphernalia, movies, live-action venues, prostitution, etc., is not necessarily sexist. It just IS. It always has been; it is a biological fact of life that in the diversity of the universe of men (and women), there are many who desire the visual stimulation and fantasy available to them through the many venues known as “the sex industry”. I’m sure there are misogynists within the subset of consumers of “sex industry” offerings, but I do not see the very existence of the industry as misogynistic, or even sexist.
Secondly, as to Lynette Long’s position, she is the type of feminist that reminds me why I never really self-identified as a “feminist”. Although I have performed feminist acts all of my life (unlike Long, I won’t try to justify that statement just now), I can’t and won’t use the “women as victim” “men as oppressors” argument for the problems women still experience today – at least in business and politics. It’s been 28 years since I entered the workforce, and everything has changed. That’s why the older vs. younger woman issue reared its ugly head in the primaries. The reason women are not wherever they are not has primarily to due with women, not the men in power. What the True Feminist seems to never acknowledge is that men and women are different, but equal. We are different, and simple biology has everything to do with that on every level. Hard-headed True Feminists need to accept this is women are ever going to move forward in a cohesive manner.
It seems to me that Long wants a woman in office, no matter the consequences and regardless of the qualifications of the specific woman. I am an ardent supporter of Hillary Clinton too, but the fact that she is a woman is not the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd reason I love her so devotedly and felt she was highly qualified and the perfect choice to be the first female President of the United States. I felt and abhorred a lot of the sexist and chauvinistic commentary about her, but only one or two reached the level of misogyny, and then only because the speaker appeared to truly hate women. (Hatred of a specific woman does not necessarily make one a misogynist IMO.) I think it was a minor factor contributing to her loss; indeed; in many instances, it rallied her supporters.
Can I blame the entire Democratic party for NOT crying out against it? Is the ENTIRE Democratic party to be abandoned for its horrible treatment of women? Is one to accept the sexist pandering of John McCain and imperil not only women’s rights but in fact, the entire safety and security of the country, simply because one “feels” slighted by the party that has faithfully secured freedom of reproductive choice for women; enacted the VAWA act; continuously raised the minimum wage; tried to advance the ERA over and over; supplied 100,000s more children with health care; and enacted the EEOC (to name a few)?
Voting for McCain-Palin on a “feminist” principle is irresponsible, at best, and subversive and petty at worst.
I can’t say I have always been a feminist, or a political animal – so perhaps the sentiments of Long and you, LT, escape my comprehension. I am apparently not a True Feminist according to the expectations I have seen (and felt) here on OS. But that’s OK with me now. I’ve long thought we needed a different direction and a new term for what women need today. Something more like ferrealist – female realist with a slightly feral connotation.
The post has been fulminating in my head for 2 months. “Feminism, Momism, and Me”. That’s right LT, I believe that “Momism” is a potent force in the real lives of feminists today, and it needs to be addressed in its entirety. Anything less is doing an injustice to the entire diverse universe of women we seek to represent, and whose lives we wish to improve.
I disagree about older women being the problem. I've seen way too much rape, domestic violence, etc and have been involved in too many guy only talks to not believe that most men think women are lesser creatures despite the veneer of respect most show the world.
Many men do indeed hate women.
I get the fact that men and women are different which is why I call for equity - not equality.
I am also very concerned with what you describe as momism which I think you mean to describe how mom's are discriminated against by society. The whole take off your wedding ring for interviews thing. If I am wrong, I wait for your post to set me straight.
I hope you don't think that I don't think you are a feminist. Feminism is big enough for all sorts and no one owns it. Hence the last sentence in my post. I am radical in my leanings but do not expect that from others. Which is why I can accept that Dr Long is a feminist even though I would never vote for McCain.
As far as the Democratic Party goes, I wish women would get together and form their own party again. It would call for true single payer universal health care, an education budget larger than the defense budget, and true equity in society.
All that said, you did not provide much help with my mom.
I am pro sex toy. Dolls, dildos, hand pussies, anal beads, swings, crops, butt plugs, benwa balls, strap-ons, feather ticklers, you name it.
I do not think sex or sex toys are dirty or anti-feminist.
However, I do think making a sex doll that resembles a female governor is sexist or misogynistic which ever you would use as you define it, because unlike porn stars who license their image for use making dolls and dildos - Palin in no way approved this use of her image and the words used in the ad are dismissive/meant to be degrading towards women in power.
That's what I get for reading late at night! Sorry for my confusion.
Palin uses her sexuality as a bludgeon. All the winking and preening. Red peep-toe pumps to give her acceptance speech.
It confuses me as a feminist, to be honest. I really don't know what to think. Does she deserve it? Not in the sense that some people claim rape victims were "asking for it."
But, her sexuality is obviously a part of her "charm," she uses it, and oozes it. And, then when someone turns around and wants to "do" her, we call misogyny.
I won't argue that there were a lot of misogynist, sexist, and worse things thrown at Hillary. But, Hillary didn't use her sexuality the way Governor Palin does, so to me the parallel just does not hold up.
p.s., good, consciousness-raising and discussion provoking post. thanks.
Women are different from men. We bear children, as is our choice. Once we make that choice, our priorities must change. You could say that children are MY first priority. I choose not to have any because I kow myself. I needed a career and financial independence much more than I needed children. I believe that when a woman makes a choice to bring a child into this world, the child becomes the priority. The child didn't ask to be here - the child is here because of the desire of the woman.
I don't think that having children should limit women - up to a point. I believe women need to activate for a standardized work week for ALL people. A women with children should be able to work a 40 hours week and have flexibility to deal with her family issues, without impacting her co-workers or shorting her employer. So all employees need a fair and standard work week with equity for all. Women need excellent day care near or at work for their children. Women need 12 weeks paid maternity leave, minimum, or more with reduced pay, without losing seniority or promotional opportunities. Men need to accomodate their own work schedule to achieve family parity. In other words, the work playing field MUST be leveled so women with children can compete fairly. HOWEVER, having said that, women need to take responsibility for their choices. There is a balance between number of children and number of work hours. Women who want 3, 4, or 5 children need to seriously reconsider their career choices, unless they have a partner who can provide the level of care all children deserve. Like it or not, women are primarily responsible for the children they choose to create. Children should never suffer a feeling of lack of parental love and attention and feeling like a priority because Mom and Dad place career ahead of children, PERIOD.
I have wondered about your gender for a while now. It's theoretically not important, but given your statement that "and have been involved in too many guy only talks to not believe that most men think women are lesser creatures despite the veneer of respect most show the world.
Many men do indeed hate women."
I am going to guess you are referring to your military life, and you are indeed female. Are you sure what you've heard is hatred? Or is it disrespect, anger, and insecurity in the face of today's liberated woman? Things have changed so much for men in the last 40 years, I almost always forgive the confused ones. My feminist mantra (no disrespect to many good men) is "It takes a good women to raise a good man." I know so many good men, I hate to think that hatred is the right term.
It's another reason I never identified as a feminist in my youth - I have always genuinely liked men, and understood so many of them along the way - I hated the "man-hater" label earlier feminism often engendered.
The problem between older women and younger women in the primaries that I experienced was us saying "You don't understand what it was like and how far we've brought things for you" and them calling us "old Hillary harridans who will elect anyone to get a women President before they die soon". It was horrible all around, as Joan wll tell you.
Finally, I can't help you wth your Mom :-) I lost mine when I was 33 years old so I guess I'll just say, be happy you have her here to argue with!
Oh yeah - the stupid sex doll. I just think it's stupid. Juvenile, and puerile. A small part of me says that a Governor who has tape of herself on a stage parading in a bathing suit is fair game, too.
Iyiyiyiyiyi!
Could you expand on some of these, the only one I know is "sweetie." The others I'm unfamiliar with.
I wish the woman you quoted would note that voting for Obama is also voting for a demographic that has a widespread history of belittlement, abuse, and oppression and shares a commonality of experience in history. The fact that Palin opposes abortion in the case of incest and rape is abhorrent - how can any feminist do that?
But thanks for lots to think about.