Sierra ([info]whatever_art) wrote,
@ 2008-06-13 12:50:00
Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
You know what?  I'd like everyone to talk about sexism also.

I feel like it has become in vogue to admit that one is slightly racist (and I think that this recognition and awareness is very good) and I think it would be grand if we talked about sexism in the same way. 

Want to say more, but I'll hold my tongue until I approximate articulate on the matter.

(Post a new comment)


[info]cos
2008-06-13 11:00 pm UTC (link)
I think this is both an opportunity and a troublesome moment for it: Clinton's campaign served to make some of the sexism that's always there show up more starkly, and has also given a lot of people a more person, fired-up stake in putting it in the spotlight, which is an opportunity. In terms of how it affected the campaign, however, we're fortunately far enough along in this country that it really helped Clinton get more votes (anti-sexist backlash), which is great, but unfortunately so many of her supporters are personally invested in a self-righteous narrative that she lost because she was treated unfairly due to sexism that they're unable step back and treat this issue constructively, and since they are among the people doing the most to bring it to everyone's attention, that conflict of ... not interested, but perhaps conflict of perspective, is making discussion troublesome right now. For example, it would be great to internalize the fact that Clinton proved that a woman can be elected (since she clearly would've been if, for example, she'd opposed invading Iraq), but there's a big force emotionally committed to a bitterness based on pretending that this campaign proved a woman still can't get elected. That's not helpful.

I hope after a few months pass, we can get past the troublesome moment but still have a public discussion of sexism. And yes, it would help if Obama brought it up again, because he's in just the right position to do so in a constructive way once this wave of misdirected bitterness mellows somewhat. I think.

(Reply to this)


[info]munncha
2008-06-14 02:40 am UTC (link)
I think sexism is sort of an overloaded term. It tends to evoke an emotional response, as this campaign has brought out. The media is retarded, we can go through all candidates and find examples of retarded things said. If you're a woman who is particularly sensitive to sexism, that's what you pick out. Likewise racism, and likely ageism. Saying something stupid gets viewership. It's like the media is a 4th grade playground. Mean, stupid things are said for petty reasons.

As far as the actual topic of sexism, I don't think that much interesting discussion can be gleaned from this campaign season. If we break from the traditional empty style of discussion, and instead focus on the actual distinctions and why they exist,

That's an interesting topic to me. I'm aware that neither sex is able to really understand what it's like to be the other. I mean, when you were fourteen you likely had creepy old men staring at you. That sort of power has to have an influence on development that I can't even fathom. Likewise, as a young man my shyness led to lot of "fag" talk. Presumably that's (partially) why I'm such a dick.

(Reply to this)


[info]rk624
2008-06-14 05:05 am UTC (link)
+1 insightful

let's talk about this sometime

(Reply to this)

Create an Account
Forgot your login?
Login w/ OpenID
English • Español • Deutsch • Русский…