As Megan noted in her post previewing the liveslogging of tonight’s debate , I’m concerned about sexist attacks on Palin because I think that once you start making sexist (or racist, or ageist) attacks, you lose your moral authority to make legitimate ones. I defend Palin not because I agree with her politics or policies, but because gender-based attacks are always illegitimate–not just when they’re made against women I like.
What constitutes a misogynistic attack? Here are a few examples, many of them from Supposedly Progressive Doodz like Bill Maher.
Calling a candidate for office a “bimbo.”
Calling her a “MILF,” or a “VPILF,” or any of the many variations thereon.
Implying that she’d be a bad VP because she “failed to become Miss Alaska.”
Referring to the 44-year-old Alaska governor as a “girl.”
Joking that McCain has chosen a “trollop” as his running mate. (I know there’s a double-reverse-backflip irony intended here, but it doesn’t work).
Implying that the her hairstyle has anything to do with how smart she is.
Saying things like “McCain doesn’t pick his women for their brains”–then calling Palin an “airhead.”
Saying that Palin (double sexism alert!) may not “win over the die-hard armpit-hair feminists” who supported Hillary Clinton, but that average Joes like her because she “embraces femininity with open legs,” whatever that means.
I could go on. But I won’t –the point is that sexist attacks don’t constitute arguments. And you can’t get mad at sexism when it’s aimed at Democrats and embrace it when it’s aimed at Republicans. Feminism doesn’t work that way.
your definition of sexist always surprises me. why do people re-define it?
(ps there really is a set definition of the word sexist…look it up)
Try re-reading that statement kesh.
@13 You owe me a new keyboard, asshole!
Sarah and her husband are wimps for driving cross-country “snow machine” marathons instead of racing bitch dog sled teams, and for shooting wolves and moose from airplanes (air machines?) instead of actual conditions on the ground.
Get over yourself. The woman’s a moron. I’m sorry if your feelings are hurt, but there’s more at stake here than feminist sensibilities about whether or not Bill Maher called the woman a “bimbo”. (By the way, he also called Bush a “bimbo” in the same breath – was that sexist too?)
She could be the President next year, and if that happens, we’re all fucked. Can’t we just circle the wagons please like the conservatives do??? Where’s Dan Savage when you need him?
@49: Must be that time of the month, eh?
In our household we have an agreement: When I have my monthly visitor we play the “silent” game and I see how long I can keep quiet. I just busy myself with baking and other kitchen duties. Whenever I get frustrated and feel like saying something unladylike I simply stuff my mouth with cock! Works like a charm. Maybe you’ll find those suggestions helpful Kesh – I hope so!
I think “bimbo” IS a valid feminist critique of Palin. McCain probably picked her precisely because he wanted a purty, none-too-smart woman on his ticket. So sure, assess and eviscerate her on her merits, but don’t outlaw discussion of the gender-related angle of her selection and appeal.
McCain picked Palin because he is reckless, & he has nothing but contempt for intelligence of the citizenry. he now knows better than any of us just how unqualified she is.
Kesh and BA are boiling like a mud pit at Yellowstone. They need some red hot Wasilla pre-marital action. Come on kids — I’ll even pay for the room!
@60: Drop it. You aren’t nearly as funny as you think you are. You have annoying down to a tee though! Buy some gold stars and dole them out to yourself like Milk Bones whenever you entertain, well, you.
Well, BA and have an open relationship so I guess that would be fine. He gets to relieve himself “where he sees fit” when I can’t perform, like when I’m taking care of Momma or I have my monthly visitor. Nobody wants to deal with that mess (ick!) so during those times he is free to take solace in a warm body, because a man has needs beyond the mouth! My tongue can only do so much! Anyone who can help my sweet prince out with his burden (not getting pussy for almost an entire week out of each month!), please help! Not just Kesh, ANYONE who can supply the goods (a warm, wet slit!) please come forward. I promise, he will not disappoint as he is trained in the incredibly satisfying and exotic “Missionary Style” of lovemaking, and it will take mere moments of your time. Jube, some people would call you an attention mongering prick, but not I – I thank you for your considerate, helpful nature in our time of need (when I’m on the rag!).