Sexism in the Campaign: an editorial

[PeaceNikki]

http://www.oregonlive.com/commentary/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/editorial/120785731828090.xml&coll=7

Sunday, April 13, 2008

BETTY ROBERTS, JANE CEASE

We aren't surprised to see sexist language being more widely used in this presidential campaign after Jay Leno last year -- even before the primaries -- joked that "over 18 million American men currently suffer from erectile dysfunction. Doctors say that number could double if Hillary gets elected."

With jokes like that and other, more pointed criticisms of Sen. Hillary Clinton, it's no wonder that, when she carries on a campaign that could make her our first woman president, disturbing patterns of gender discrimination emerge in media treatment.

The media, pundits and voters tend to assume a familiarity with this candidate, referring to her only by her first name. In fairness, Clinton has used her first name extensively to distinguish herself from her husband and to placate demands that she soften her public image.

Still, news outlets and pundits commonly drop her title while using her male opponents' title, diminishing the office she holds and suggesting a lack of importance or power. But it's not only the media. At a recent Portland City Club speech, an Oregon senator referred to her as "Mrs." Clinton and in the same breath to Obama as "Senator" Obama, to the dismay of the women in the audience.

Apparently concerned that a woman in the White House will undermine men, Republican activist Roger Stone formed an independent political organization to defeat Sen. Clinton. The organization, which sells T-shirts, uses an acronym that is one of the most derogatory words used to describe a woman. Similar ugly slogans can be found in the political T-shirt market, where Hillary Haters can express themselves with "Get Back in the Kitchen," or "Life's a b, don't vote for one."

The Center for Media and Public Affairs, a nonpartisan think tank in Washington, D.C., issued a report in February analyzing the content of 765 news stories that clearly confirmed media bias in the presidential contest. The center reported that Clinton has gotten the worst press treatment of all the major candidates, with Obama receiving 83 percent positive comments to Clinton's 47 percent.


More at link.

[MichiganVote]

1. Yep. And it reflects poorly on us as a society that endorses equality.

[PeaceNikki]

3. And those who continually deny that it's a factor in this campaign.

[MichiganVote]

4. To be sure. Many agendas.

[murielm99]

2. Kick

:kick:

[Evergreen Emerald]

5. At least it is acknowledged and given light

Perhaps that will help the next female who tries this.

[PeaceNikki]

6. I fear it will harm the chances of woman even attempting

From: http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=291138

The media have modeled, in a perverse way, that strong, knowledgeable women are unlikable and should not bother to run for president because they too will be treated in the same way that Hillary Clinton has been treated. During these primaries, the media have told our little girls, our sisters, our wives, our mothers, “Don’t bother to run for president; they will just chew you up and spit you out.”

:(

[Evergreen Emerald]

8. It is likely true. Females get the message loud and clear.

This is what will happen if you try to upset the power structure.

What gets me is the people on this "progressive" forum, many of whom likely have daughters, who condone the treatment, and sometimes even join in.

[goclark]

13. She has done the chewing and she has done the spitting out

I am a woman.

The media has chewed up both Democratic candidates.

And spit them out.

So if Barack doesn't win does that mean that there will never be another African American person that will be President of the US?

I wouldn't be surprised if Obama's daughter becomes President one day, or Jesse Jackson Jr., Harold Ford or even Colin Powell.

Please tell me that Condi Rice will not be President. But I really believe they are setting it up this way -- run McCain and Condi for VP. McCain drops out and Condi becomes President.

There you go! Bingo! Two for one - an AA and a woman.

I think Boxer and many other women would be excellent candidates ~ excellent!

[Evergreen Emerald]

18. So, you ignore reality?

The facts speak for themselves.

[merh]

26. The results are lacking in that they do not cover what the

negative press is.

Is it covering the mistakes of Hillary and her campaign? Or is it just targeting Hillary and her campaign?

Did Hillary deserve the press is the question?

Just goes to prove that the facts of most studies and polls can be predetermined by the questions posed.

[PeaceNikki]

32. The piece written in the OP does point to specifics.

What the candidates "deserve" seems a relative measure. One which some people seem to be a bit biased on what gender-based attacks are deemed as "deserving". I am of the opinion that attacks of a sexist nature are not "deserved". Ever.

[merh]

35. You are mistaken

The piece does not differentiate between attacks deserved and attacks based on sexism.

Granted, for the most part the majority of comedians have taken full advantage of the humor found by those who consider sexism funny, but that is not what the article is about.

If Hillary received bad press because of her recollection of her Bosnia adventures and for that week or month, her bad press was greater than Obama's for his bowling, do you think that is due to her being a woman or due to the fact that telling lies about being subjected to snipers is far more crucial to the candidate's trustworthiness or veracity than the poor bowling skills of the opponent?

To look at it correctly, to analysis it accurately and subjectively and with equality, as each feminist purports to want and to respect, the question would be would a male candidate be subjected to the same scrutiny and/or press time for the same negative? If it were a male candidate that lied about sniper fire, would he have faced the same press?

Also one must keep in mind that both Hillary and Bill have rekindled the discussions relative the Bosnia memories, they have flamed the fires.

A truer analysis of press coverage and inequities was had in 2004 when Kerry and Edwards were hardly afforded press time.

[PeaceNikki]

37. I don't think I am mistaken. I think we just disagree. Here's something I find interesting

http://www.cmpa.com/Studies/Election08/election%20news%203_3_08.htm


Since mid-December, five out of six on-air evaluations of Senator Obama (83%) have been positive, while Senator Clinton’s coverage has been about evenly balanced (53% positive).
...

Hillary’s Past

Senator Clinton led on only one topic of debate: 67% of comments about her policies and her record in politics were positive, compared to 60% positive comments for Senator Obama. However, only one out of ten comments addressed these matters, an unusually low proportion.

Given the fact that she s getting so much negative press and it's NOT as much about her policies and record in politics, it's pretty obvious that the media attacks her more personally.

[merh]

39. So, looking at that graft one has to wonder how sexist the findings

Bill is a male and he ranks even lower than Hillary. True, he isn't the candidate but for some odd reason they include him in their studies.

So is it the image of the Clintons that is getting the bad press because of the image and words of the Clintons or is it sexism at play?

[PeaceNikki]

42. I strongly believe that sexism is 'at play'.

As is demonstrated in a couple examples in the OP. And many here at DU as well.

I am convinced that I will not be able to convince you of it and you cannot convince me that it is not a factor.

So... :shrug:

[merh]

46. Then you fail to logically analyze the information before you.

And you fail to accept the graphs as provided which clearly reflect opposite to what it is you choose to believe.

Again, the proper way to approach the subject is to view the issues without sex being involved. Would a man get the same negative press for his exaggerations relative to war zone activities?

Simply put, Hillary is a candidate that happens to be a woman. What she says is viewed as what a candidate says, not as to what the woman has to say. She is the one playing the sexism card, shooting whiskey with the boys, and her supporters are playing the sexism card by alleging that she is a victim of sexism.

Bill Clinton said that politics is like football, you don't go on the field if you are not willing to be tackled. And Elizabeth Edwards said it best relative to Hillary's claims: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzRQxxldBvk

[PeaceNikki]

48. I don't think I've failed to logically analyze the information. I see as clear as day the specifics

that were pointed out in the OP.

Leno "jokes", referring to her and male candidates differently, acronyms of "cunt" used to describe her, sexist slogans, references to her "gushing" over things, etc.

Look, I am not a "Hillbot" by any stretch of the imagination. I am not saying that she should gain the nomination because of the sexism. I am merely pointing out that it is there. And, as a woman, I feel obligated to point out sexism when I see it. And, just as the authors of the piece in the OP I've seen it in this campaign. Pointing out it exists does not have to always equate to giving her unyielding support. And denying it is there doesn't help Obama.

[merh]

51. Comedians do not qualify as members of the MSM

You should see the hateful websites calling for the death of Obama.

Again, this study fails to properly analyze the information and alleges sexism when it doesn't exist. A male candidate would get the same bad press if he made the same stupid statements she has made, if a man ran his campaign as poorly as she has run hers, if he didn't pay his bills, if he had the expectation that he was the obvious winner and it would be over with in February, he too would be subject to the press she has received.

And as a woman, I feel obligated to call bullshit to the false sexism - if you are going to run as an equal then you must expect equal treatment and you must expect fair analysis. Claiming to be a victim of sexism when you are just the candidate subject to scrutiny like the other candidates is bullshit. This study is not accurate.

[PeaceNikki]

45. When someone says "I'm a woman" in an argument denying sexism in this campaign

To me, it doesn't make it convincing. It makes it very sad to me that even some woman deny that sexism exists in the media coverage and attitudes of many.

[dkf]

7. I think its objectionable that she feels she needs to tank shots of whiskey to run for President.

[Evergreen Emerald]

9. what? That makes me laugh...you guys will look for anything to attack

Missed the point of the whole thing...perhaps it is your bitterness that prohibits you from comprehending.

[PeaceNikki]

10. Who cares about a shot of whiskey and a beer? Why is that an issue?

[dkf]

12. You ever hear of her doing it before?

She is playing a role, as always.

[Evergreen Emerald]

14. So, when Obama goes to the bowling alley for the first time, he is not playing a role

But when Clinton does it--it is more reason for you to hate and attack her?

You have lost all sense of reasonableness.

[dkf]

23. Hey he's not pretending that that is who he is...

Indeed he admits he is not a bowler.

[Evergreen Emerald]

31. That is right I forgot the Orules: when Obama does it = good

when Clinton does it = evil.

[dkf]

52. my whole point was about being fake.

Hillary tries to pretend that is who she is...Obama shows us that isn't who he is and is comfortable with it.

[PeaceNikki]

16. Right, I am sure this was the FIRST time she did a shot.

:eyes:

No, it's the first time that the media made a big show of it. See how that works?

[dkf]

25. Well, its not exactly what we expect out of a first lady is it?

Gun toting, whiskey shot riddled, beer drinker that she is...

I now see her in a completely different light.

Mission accomplished!

[PeaceNikki]

30. huh. Irony thy name is "dkf"

[dkf]

50. Maybe I should have added the *sarcasm* icon for your benefit.

Sorry.

[MonkeyFunk]

21. Yes

I've heard of her doing shots before.

[MonkeyFunk]

11. Thanks Nikki

it's a shame severe partisanship precludes any serious discussion of this.

[PeaceNikki]

15. The constant denial that there is sexism is a testament to how big of a problem it is.

I've experienced it at work personally. And I was MOST bothered by the fact that it was so subtle and just came naturally to the person. People didn't even pick up on it until it was pointed out. It's become so natural and so ingrained in people that they are blind to it when it happens right in front of them.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

17. At least DU is a refuge from sexism.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5478727&mesg_id=5478727

[PeaceNikki]

22. Again, the fact it's so second-nature to so many makes me very sad.

I have to hide that thread.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

33. Finally locked.

Not for sexism but as flamebait.

[crankychatter]

19. The facts are damning

CNN is giving Obama a free ride eh?

race-gender-race-gender-race-gender

stir stir stir

[kevinmc]

20. Hillary should Boycott Leno and teach him a lesson ..... n/t

[guyanakoolaid]

24. Funny that instead of the wide sexism blanket Hillary supporters love to throw on Obama supporters,

Here it is only specifically thrown on a deserving Republican. Yes, Stone's actions are disgusting, as are those like them. But you have to see that the charge of "sexism" has lost a lot of its weight around here because of its indiscriminate use as of late.

[Evergreen Emerald]

28. I am sorry if this response seems harsh, but I am fed up with this lie

It is never used indiscriminately. The specifics are there for anyone to see.

Unlike Obama's supporters who actually suggested that when one says elitist she is actually saying "uppity." That is indiscriminate. That is a distortion not based on reality.

Conversely: the stuff Clinton and her supporters deal with is out there for all to see. Just go to GDP right now.

People are denying that it exists--and have been from the beginning. Even women who should know better. Those must be the type that would have bound their own feet.

[guyanakoolaid]

34. It IS used indiscriminately here at DU, we've all seen it, and the only example you can come up with

is from a Republican like Stone. You want to blame Hillary's losses on sexism, but lack the evidence. Hillary supporters are often willing to accuse anyone who opposes Hillary's Rightful Ascension of sexism - I've been called sexist for talking about sniper fire. You're trying to create a solid steel rhetorical shield to protect your candidate from a couple of pebbles.

[Evergreen Emerald]

40. ! Lack evidence!

Stunning. Simply stunning. I can only shake my head and feel very sad for America. This is how I felt when Anita Hill was dismissed and belittled by the all-boy power structure. Defeated.


I look at Clinton and she how tough she is: still standing after the barrage of constant attacks. Many of which are only because she is female.

What a shame that you choose to be one who ignores the elephant in the living room.

[guyanakoolaid]

41. Are you blind to the irony of a post called "Lack Evidence" which contains nothing but more rhetoric

[Evergreen Emerald]

44. Did you read the article that names specific instances? What do you want me to

post the link to this thread?

What the hell?

[guyanakoolaid]

47. Not the link, but if you could provide a single instance of a Democrat engaging in sexism,

that would be great. The link decries an Oregon Senator calling her "Mrs." instead of "Senator", but was that the Republican Senator? Even if it were the Democrat, if that is the worst case of in-party sexism you can come up with, your point is moot. We know most Republicans are devils with no ethics or conscience, but there is no justification of the rampant in-party chants of "sexism"

[guyanakoolaid]

53. I didn't think so.

[PeaceNikki]

29. I didn't mention Obama other than the media coverage.

[VotesForWomen]

27. but...but... there is no sexism in america... nt

[nichomachus]

36. Very shocking

That this would happen in a country where women routinely pepper their conversation with "Men are such . . . " "All men ...." "Why can't men..."

Who would have thought there could be sexism with that enlightened attitude.

[PeaceNikki]

38. What women "pepper their conversation" with those phrases?

You need to hang out with different women.

[nichomachus]

43. Well I would

but the restraining order was very specific . . .

[OzarkDem]

49. No surprise

Its fairly obvious, even to Obama supporters.