Misogyny and Sexism in the News

BullDog · 07-19-2010, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Lady_Snow

Policing Female Masculinity: Much Ado About Rachel Maddow’s Yearbook Photo!

http://www.autostraddle.com/policing...-gender-52441/

Yes, this is a great article. Young, blonde and thin and you are "tappable." Masculine female- no. Hah, that's one of my favorite butch advantages- that I don't get a lot of unwelcome attention from males. Other lesbian/queer females do not always have that same luxury.

We see here the same type of catty comments as with Cynthia Nixon's partner.

The article does a great job discussing how female appearance and sexuality is policed via heteronormative standards and the deep anxiety over female masculinity in our culture.

In the words of Rachel Maddow:

“I’m not Anchorbabe, and I’m never going to be. My goal is to do the physical appearance stuff in such a way that it is not comment-worthy.”

Sorry world, we are not your babes.

AtLast · 07-19-2010, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BullDog

Yes, this is a great article. Young, blonde and thin and you are "tappable." Masculine female- no. Hah, that's one of my favorite butch advantages- that I don't get a lot of unwelcome attention from males. Other lesbian/queer females do not always have that same luxury.

We see here the same type of catty comments as with Cynthia Nixon's partner.

The article does a great job discussing how female appearance and sexuality is policed via heteronormative standards and the deep anxiety over female masculinity in our culture.

In the words of Rachel Maddow:

“I’m not Anchorbabe, and I’m never going to be. My goal is to do the physical appearance stuff in such a way that it is not comment-worthy.”

Sorry world, we are not your babes.

Thanks, Bully! Rachael RAWKS!

Did you catch her in a veil in Afghanistan for her special? Quite a nice swagger goin' on below that darn veil in her chinos! Loved it. Also was glad she respected customs- that had to be hard for her to dawn!!! I cracked up because it reminded me so of myself back when in prom gowns, etc. I always looked like I was in drag!

I really appreciate Maddow's presentation of female masculinity. It has to be hard at times with her show and bosses, etc. even with enlightenment- it is national TV media. Another time while watching her show, she got up and walked over to some prop. I also cracked-up then as below the usual kind of gender neutral tops, (probably discussed length prior to her show being aired), she wears, she had on her jeans and boots! Almost seemed like she had an extra twinkle in her eyes as she walked over.. and yup, the swagger!

betenoire · 07-19-2010, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HowSoonIsNow

Canada Bans Pam's PETA Ad

Officials claim it's sexist

Ugh, that picture really bothered me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Lady_Snow

Policing Female Masculinity: Much Ado About Rachel Maddow’s Yearbook Photo!

http://www.autostraddle.com/policing...-gender-52441/

More of the same societal illness that loves Ellen (cuz she seems friendly and not confrontational and is appropriately emotional (uses tears!) at the appropriate moments and is pretty) and hates Rosie (cuz she's loud and opinionated and fat).

Heart · 07-19-2010, 04:45 PM

Thanks for posting this betenoire:
http://www.autostraddle.com/policing...-gender-52441/

It's not just butches/masculine women/ or queers though -- it's all women who claim power. Think of the reactions to Hillary Clinton. There is always an effort to reduce powerful women to patriarchal standards of desirability.

Heart · 07-19-2010, 05:23 PM

Dr. Nancy Snyderman begins her comments about Mel Gibson's threats and violence by calling the target of his rage "passive-aggressive," and accusing her of 'baiting" him. Where do they find these so-called experts?

You can read what the Men's Anti-violence Council has to say about this and also click on the link included to see the clip.

I sent a scathing e-mail to the Today Show.

http://mensantiviolencecouncil.com/2...he-today-show/

Medusa · 07-19-2010, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heart

Dr. Nancy Snyderman begins her comments about Mel Gibson's threats and violence by calling the target of his rage "passive-aggressive," and accusing her of 'baiting" him. Where do they find these so-called experts?

You can read what the Men's Anti-violence Council has to say about this and also click on the link included to see the clip.

I sent a scathing e-mail to the Today Show.

http://mensantiviolencecouncil.com/2...he-today-show/

OMGEE. Was this the interview with 2 Doctors? I was listening to the TV the other morning going to work and heard the news anchor say something about interviewing a psychologist and a Doctor and both of them were women but I just couldnt fucking believe that both of them were going on and on about how Oksana was "passive-aggressive" and "really knew how to push his buttons".

Heart · 07-19-2010, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Medusa

OMGEE. Was this the interview with 2 Doctors? I was listening to the TV the other morning going to work and heard the news anchor say something about interviewing a psychologist and a Doctor and both of them were women but I just couldnt fucking believe that both of them were going on and on about how Oksana was "passive-aggressive" and "really knew how to push his buttons".

This was was with the doctor and with a Westchester ex district attorney, Janine Pirro, known for prosecuting batterers, (but better known for her husband's shady real estate deals, of course). Pirro tried to counter what Snyderman was saying. You can see the clip if you click on the article I linked.

Stearns · 07-19-2010, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heart

Dr. Nancy Snyderman begins her comments about Mel Gibson's threats and violence by calling the target of his rage "passive-aggressive," and accusing her of 'baiting" him. Where do they find these so-called experts?

You can read what the Men's Anti-violence Council has to say about this and also click on the link included to see the clip.

I sent a scathing e-mail to the Today Show.

http://mensantiviolencecouncil.com/2...he-today-show/

I also sent a scathing e-mail to the Today Show/NBC for their irresponsibility and for potentially placing battered women in even more jeopardy. I also e-mailed the editor of Good Housekeeping, suggesting that the magazine find another female doctor to contribute health columns, as Nancy Snyderman is obviously no friend to women. I also included the link to the Men's Anti-Violence Council blog.

AtLast · 07-19-2010, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heart

Thanks for posting this betenoire:
http://www.autostraddle.com/policing...-gender-52441/

It's not just butches/masculine women/ or queers though -- it's all women who claim power. Think of the reactions to Hillary Clinton. There is always an effort to reduce powerful women to patriarchal standards of desirability.

So very true!

Greyson · 07-20-2010, 01:08 PM

Here is some good news. I had no idea Geena Davis founded this non-profit institute addressing Gender In The Media. She was recently appointed to the State of California's Womens Commission.

After you read the article, go check out her "Gender In The Media" site.

http://www.thegeenadavisinstitute.org/

______________________________________________

http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalert...nts-geena.html

July 20, 2010

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has appointed actress Geena Davis to the
Commission on the Status of Women.

The Academy Award-winning actress is the founder of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, which seeks to increase female characters and reduce gender stereotypes in children's programming.

Davis, a Democrat, is known for her roles in dozens of films and television shows, including "Tootsie," "Beetlejuice" and "A League of Their Own."

The position, which pays a $100 per diem, requires Senate confirmation.

Soon · 07-24-2010, 10:21 AM

Women in Mexico convicted of homicide for abortions

By VANESSA | Published: JULY 23, 2010

The Latin American Herald Tribune brings attention to the reality that exists when abortion is criminalized. Six women are currently serving 25-30 year sentences in Guanajuato, Mexico for having abortions. Their conviction? Homicide.

Reproductive justice organization Centro Las Libres has been working to bring attention to Mexico’s criminalization and incarceration of women in attempts to change laws and free the women who are currently in prison; they’ve been able to release one so far. Via LAHT:

Since the beginning of the decade, more than 40 women have been put on trial for abortion, which is punishable by up to three years in prison under the Guanajuato penal code.

“The government always has denied that it imprisoned people for the crime of abortion. We had to go from prison to prison to verify it,” said the Centro Las Libres director.

The legislation regarding abortion varies in Mexico’s 32 separate jurisdictions. While in Mexico City it is legal, some states continue to treat abortion as a criminal offense.

Even so, federal law includes some circumstances under which any woman, regardless of where she may live, can have an abortion, namely in the case of rape or risk to her life because of the pregnancy.

On top of that, what’s worth mentioning is that the conservative-led state of Guanajuato — while having the highest rate of teen pregnancy in Mexico — still refuses to allow sex education in its schools.

h/t to MAC.

07-19-2010, 05:23 PM	#5
Heart Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Relationship Status: rainbows! Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: NY Posts: 466 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 303 Thanked 2,522 Times in 409 Posts Rep Power: 12032610	Here's a goodie... Dr. Nancy Snyderman begins her comments about Mel Gibson's threats and violence by calling the target of his rage "passive-aggressive," and accusing her of 'baiting" him. Where do they find these so-called experts? You can read what the Men's Anti-violence Council has to say about this and also click on the link included to see the clip. I sent a scathing e-mail to the Today Show. http://mensantiviolencecouncil.com/2...he-today-show/

07-20-2010, 01:08 PM	#10
Greyson Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Transmasculine/Non-Binary Preferred Pronoun?: Hy (Pronounced He) Relationship Status: Married Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 6,589 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 21,132 Thanked 8,153 Times in 2,006 Posts Rep Power: 21474858	Here is some good news. I had no idea Geena Davis founded this non-profit institute addressing Gender In The Media. She was recently appointed to the State of California's Womens Commission. After you read the article, go check out her "Gender In The Media" site. http://www.thegeenadavisinstitute.org/ ______________________________________________ http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalert...nts-geena.html July 20, 2010 Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has appointed actress Geena Davis to the Commission on the Status of Women. The Academy Award-winning actress is the founder of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, which seeks to increase female characters and reduce gender stereotypes in children's programming. Davis, a Democrat, is known for her roles in dozens of films and television shows, including "Tootsie," "Beetlejuice" and "A League of Their Own." The position, which pays a $100 per diem, requires Senate confirmation. __________________ Sometimes you don't realize your own strength until you come face to face with your greatest weakness. - Susan Gale

07-24-2010, 10:21 AM	#11
Soon Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: femme Relationship Status: attached Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: . Posts: 6,896 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 29,046 Thanked 13,094 Times in 3,386 Posts Rep Power: 21474858	via Feministing: Women in Mexico convicted of homicide for abortions By VANESSA \| Published: JULY 23, 2010 The Latin American Herald Tribune brings attention to the reality that exists when abortion is criminalized. Six women are currently serving 25-30 year sentences in Guanajuato, Mexico for having abortions. Their conviction? Homicide. Reproductive justice organization Centro Las Libres has been working to bring attention to Mexico’s criminalization and incarceration of women in attempts to change laws and free the women who are currently in prison; they’ve been able to release one so far. Via LAHT: Since the beginning of the decade, more than 40 women have been put on trial for abortion, which is punishable by up to three years in prison under the Guanajuato penal code. “The government always has denied that it imprisoned people for the crime of abortion. We had to go from prison to prison to verify it,” said the Centro Las Libres director. The legislation regarding abortion varies in Mexico’s 32 separate jurisdictions. While in Mexico City it is legal, some states continue to treat abortion as a criminal offense. Even so, federal law includes some circumstances under which any woman, regardless of where she may live, can have an abortion, namely in the case of rape or risk to her life because of the pregnancy. On top of that, what’s worth mentioning is that the conservative-led state of Guanajuato — while having the highest rate of teen pregnancy in Mexico — still refuses to allow sex education in its schools. h/t to MAC.

07-19-2010, 04:45 PM	#4
Heart Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Relationship Status: rainbows! Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: NY Posts: 466 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 303 Thanked 2,522 Times in 409 Posts Rep Power: 12032610	Thanks for posting this betenoire: http://www.autostraddle.com/policing...-gender-52441/ It's not just butches/masculine women/ or queers though -- it's all women who claim power. Think of the reactions to Hillary Clinton. There is always an effort to reduce powerful women to patriarchal standards of desirability.