ACTION ALERT: “PUT HER IN HER PLACE”
October 8, 2009
by The New Agenda
|17 Comments
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This week, a National Republican Congressional Committee press release had this to say about House Speaker Nancy Pelosi:
…taxpayers can only hope McChrystal is able to put her in her place.
Put her in her place? You must be kidding!
Come on NRCC, stick to the issues and AWAY from the sexism!!!
AND NOW WE NEED YOUR HELP:
Contact the NRCC and let them know that sexism IS NOT OKAY!
Address: 320 First Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003
Email: website@nrcc.org
Phone: 202-479-7000
Sexism against women of any political party is unacceptable, and we have something to say about it!
And let us know that you took action by commenting on our blog.
Just want to say that I’m no fan of Pelosi, BUT to say “put her in her place?” We just can’t let ANYONE get away with that kind of talk!!
Isn’t “her place” the Speaker of the House?
I don’t know; maybe I’m being small, but I just can’t make an effort to defend Nancy Pelosi in anyway. I saw the video of her response to the “put her in her place” statement. She said she hadn’t heard that kind of talk in a decade. Hey Nancy, where the hell were you during the presidential election and denocratic primary. Hadn’t heard that kind of language in a decade? I guess you only pay attention when it’s aimed at you!
I’m not a fan either but I’m making the call. This kind of language hurts all women.
I feel exactly the same as the others. I dislike Nancy Pelosi, and I would bet anything I own that she would not take a stand for another women that she disliked intensely. But, the terminology used had to be addressed – regardless of the female about which it was said.
Thanks for this action alert. The New Agenda did the right thing.
Sigh. I agree. However, I do think Ms. Pelosi seems to legislate “above” the people so “putting her in her place” may mean bring her back to reality. But considering our world treats women inferiorly to men (especially in other countries), this phrase needs to be restated.
The statement was sexist and should be denounced period. That being said, Pelosi is generally the first person to push sexism under the rug and to pretend that this kind of thing has no impact on how women are treated. Like we all should just suck it up and deny reality. We watched her say as much during the democratic primary. Although she is pro choice, I don’t find her to be an advocate of women’s equality by any measure. It’s a shame because she is in a position where she could make a difference.
Obama beats out Cordoba and Samar for Nobel Peace Prize. Nominations went in just two weeks into his presidency…
First, this isn’t about Nancy Pelosi, it’s about the ongoing male attitude towards women. If we don’t call out this behavior as unaccepable and that women have no intention of putting up with it any longer, it will NEVER change.
Outrage over racism got traction from Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton screaming at the top of their lungs at every hint of it. Of course, it helped that racism also included “men”, so it their outrage got acknowledged AND respected a heck of a lot sooner than Sexism ever will.
Which is why we MUST make the call!
Saying it’s okay when it happens to a woman you don’t like is like waying it’s okay if her skirt was too short or she was drinking.
It’s a complete agreement with the classic womanhating gambit: “Some chicks ask for it.”
If you agree with this in any way, STFU and stop calling yourself a goddamned feminist, ebcause you’re NOT. You’re peffectly happy for sexism to stick around, as long as it targets the women you don’t like.
I’m serious. If you can’t defend “that” woman, then shut the hell up and go away, because you’re the problem. Men can get away with any damned thing they want against any woman they want, they just have to convince you she’s one of those women you don’t like.
It worked with Sarah Palin. They wanted to sink their knives into her, and all they had to do was lie and bullshit weomen, and women promptly swallowed the whole wad and bought it, and cheered.
If you think otherwise, then you LOVE sexism, because it can be used to slap some uppity bitch back in line.
Susan Brownmiller once remarked that all men everywhere benefit from rape (and sexism) because it’s used to keep all women in line. Nice to know that feminists agree with this — they love sexism, because it can be used to threaten all women everywhere into toeing the line. Step out of line — wear the wrong clothing, drink the wrong drink, join the wrong political party — and you’ll get yours, bitch. Don’t pretend this is anything but.
If you don’t defend Nancy Pelosi, you are just one more rape cheerleader who loves it when The Bitch Gets What’s Coming. PERIOD.
Janis,
You’ve pretty much said it all! Thanks.
Ok- lets be honest. Pelosi enabled the attacks on both HRC and Palin, if not by participating in the sexist attacks by Barry then at least by not doing anything to stop it. She on the facts is not worth defending.
But to me, that is not the issue. Civil rights apply to the Black Panthers and KKK, the worst of the worst as well as you and me.
If we are to rid the country of sexism we must attack it wherever it rears its ugly head and irrespective of the perceived worthiness of the victim. We must Defend Pelosi irrespective of her agenda, personality, and perceived worthiness.
It appears we all agree the remark was sexist and should be restated. Ms. Pelosi has not been a defender or women, and is very self serving. But, I don’t think the issue here is just defending her, it is defending all women and correcting sexist behavior is general.
Besides, public remarks about putting someone in their place is not acceptable behavior, period. For too long now we have put up with personal attacks towards politicians as if it is funny, deserved, or as a way to say we disagree with their views. This is part of the reason why is was so acceptable to put down Hilary and Sarah last year – it was considered normal, acceptable behavior and worthy of late night comedy fodder. This behavior has to stop, and I am glad TNA is calling it out.
Seems no one else has the courage to treat people with respect anymore, regardless of political views.
In Pelosi’s defense, You think the first time she expereinced or witnessed sexism was in the primaries? Maybe her position is similar to those on this site. Maybe she’s thinking “where was the outrage on my journey to House Speaker?” She had it really tough for 6 of the Bush years and now she takes the heat for any unpopular Obama positions (you can bet she’ll take the fall for any progress on healthcare). Her views are a little liberal for me but it was a badly needed balance during the Bush years. I am sure she’s put up with a lot of sexism, let’s give her a break.
It is sexist, deeply misogynist, and unacceptable. There are no acceptable targets for sexists.
Hi Janis, I really like your strong statement. and citing Susan Brownmiller, thank you. I read her in the 70ies and her writing and analysis of rape is still worth reading and spreading the word around.
She on the facts is not worth defending.
I don’t CARE if she’s worth defending. Her attackers are worth shredding.
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