Why This Feminist Is Silent

[wlotus]

To: mcurtis@charlotteobserver.com.

Dear Ms. Curtis:

I read your article on feminists not jumping to Michelle Obama's defense in light of the sexism she is now facing from the media. I do not think Ms. Obama at any time defended Senator Clinton against the sexism in the media. Did you? If not, why are you defending Michelle Obama against it, and why did you not criticise Michelle Obama and the Obama supporters for not jumping to Senator Clinton's defense? I have looked through the archives of your recent op-ed pieces, and I don't see any articles solely devoted to that message. If I have missed them, please point me to them.

At the moment, this African-American female has chosen to fight a different battle. Rather than screaming about the sexism being turned on Michelle Obama--who, by the way, added to the din against Senator Clinton by saying one of the things she would have to consider before campaigning for Senator Clinton would be "her tone" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7yaD9OXZ_o&feature=related, minute 3:10)--I am turning my energies towards letting the DNC know I and millions of others like me will not meekly step aside and allow them to cram Senator Obama down our throats, as though he was fairly elected, rather than selected. Had I heard Michelle Obama screaming in Senator Clinton's defense, I would have had energy enough to spare for her defense. But now I will remain silent, just like she remained silent when the guns were pointing at a woman other than her.

Sincerely,
wlotus
New York, NY PUMA Democrat
http://blog.pumapac.org

Addendum, 27 June 2008: Ms. Curtis thanked me for sharing my view and said she had written an article after a Clinton rally that said anyone who had attended the rally would recognize the stereotypes as ridiculous. She also pointed out the conversation about these things will continue; the election season is far from over.

I'm glad the conversation will go on, thanks to groups like the PUMA PAC and Women for Fair Politics.

Comments

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

While Sen. Clinton certainly has endured her fair share of sexism (I hardly think that the attire and appearance of the men was dissected in the way that hers was), I've gotta admit, when I heard the "baby mama" comment, I thought it was just completely over the top.

Are there any specific instances where something as disrespectful was said about Sen. Clinton, from the media?

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

Yes, quite often. It's too late for me to find anything, but I'll try to remember to look up the references sometime tomorrow.

Here Are Some

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

http://mediamatters.org/items/200707180009

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/11/katie-couric-sexist-media_n_106595.html

http://www.alternet.org/election08/83810/

http://mediamatters.org/items/200801110010?f=h_top

And not a media gaffe: McCain's failure to put this supporter in their place when she called Senator Clinton a bitch. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/debra-condren/beat-the-bitch-straight-_b_72698.html)

Re: Here Are Some

[ciardhapagan.livejournal.com]

There were a couple of videos on You Tube as well collecting some the misogynist comments.

Obama made some himself- "claws come out", "periodically feeling down", The "99 Problems..." entrance at a rally, etc...