Why I’m Boycotting “Game Change”
January 15, 2010
by Amy Siskind
|A lot of folks have written to me asking what we can do about Game Change, the new book that is chock full of misogyny and sexist treatment of Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin and Elizabeth Edwards.
Well, given that women control the vast majority of the purse strings in this country, here’s my humble suggestion: boycott the book!!! And don’t stop there. Tell all your friends, family and neighbors to do the same. Write to the blogs you visit and comment or ask them to post a blog piece doing the same. Let’s start our own grassroots movement like we have done so many times in the past.
Here’s my story.
The fanfare on Game Change started the day I finished Anne Kornblut’s new book (a must read) Notes from the Cracked Ceiling. I had just emailed Cynthia, who was concurrently reading Going Rogue and Anne’s book with me around the new year and asked her what’s next? Before Cynthia replied, I got an itchy trigger finger and ordered Game Changer. Big mistake. I figured compared to the rest of the coverage on CNN (remember, it’s all relative), Mark Halperin had actually seemed somewhat more balanced than the rest in 2008, so I thought I’d give him a chance. Never again.
In any case, as the reviews and “leaks” of misogyny started to hit the blogosphere, I immediately regretted my purchase. But the order was in. At one point, I tried to cancel, but the online bookstore said it was in process.
The more I read about these clowns attacking women that I respect – perpetuating sexist stereotypes to demean these powerful women – the more upset I became about the book. When the book arrived, I flirted with starting a fire in the fireplace to see what colors it would turn while it burned to ashes. No.
I thought perhaps I should read it. So I can be a spokesperson if asked about its contents. No. I get the drift.
Instead, I’ve decided to return it. The best way to hit ‘em – in the wallet. And I’m asking that you all do the same and spread the word to your networks. Return it. Don’t buy it.
In lieu, I would highly recommend Anne Kornblut’s and Sarah Palin’s books. Both excellent. And I like the fact that I’m putting money into their pockets. Women who are responsibly covering what happened in 2008. Not some piece of hyped up crap.
Oh, and you heard it here first – John Heilemann and Mark Halperin beware. The universe has a funny way of making what goes around, come around. Ask Elliot Spitzer.
The title of the book is “Game Change,” — not “Changer” — but I thoroughly agree with the boycott sentiment.
Amy—-you go girl!!!! This book was one steaming pile of crap.
“Going Rogue” and “Notes From the Cracked Ceiling” are very good.
Game Change is simply evidence that men are unstable, gossipy creatures, prone to hysteria, and should be probably kept out of public office. I’m kidding, but geesh, there’s more gossip and nonsense in that book then you see on a soap opera.
Amy,
Many thanks for taking action and boycotting this piece of crap book. I hope other websites and bloggers feature your article to ban the book and shine a light on the overwhelming misogyny that it pushes against 3 extremely accomplished women.
Enough is enough! Women must become like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson when it comes to fighting against the marginalization of women.
My pleasure Kathleen. My son was saying last night that he needs some new books so after school we’re headed to Barnes and Noble to return one unread copy of Game Change and to buy some good 4th grade lit!
Let’s all spread the word!
Thanks. I have a 4 book back up right now so I hadn’t even come close to buying it. Palin’s book is next.
Amy,
This is OT, but I wanted to make certain that you knew about the need for anyone nominating a woman to the Ohio Statutory Committee to be willing to testify on behalf of that nominee or find someone who can. I’ve posted this on Dr. Long’s article about this after I contacted one of the Ohio State Senator’s office to nominate Harriet Beecher Stowe.
Please alert everyone that lives in Ohio about this. It will up the chances of the next statue being one of the many great women of Ohio. Thanks.
You know, just because a book says some negative things about women you happen to be supportive of (as well as trashing just about everyone), does not make it sexist. In fact, I think the chapter on the Edwards’ goes to great lengths to show what a headcase John was, is a great example of how the gossipy nature of this book goes after members of both genders. Furthermore, this organizations rabid defense of Sarah Palin from legitimate criticism is quite disappointing. Its clear from all the commentators that you are basically an anti-Obama, pro-Palin group masquerading as a “non-partisan” group just because you also happen to like Sec. Clinton. The only agenda of this organization is anti-Obama, and that certainly is not new.
It is curious that when sixty minutes ran a piece last Sunday on this book that they failed to discuss Obama, Reid, Biden,Edwards and McCain and rather spent 7 of the 8 minutes knocking Palin
Morgan, yeah we are all racist too. If you take the time to read the comments here you will see we are a diverse group and don’t agree on much. But some interesting conversations happen here and there is no reason to be threatened by that. Some things many here have in common is disgust of the corruption of the 2008 election by Obots which includes the invalidation of the primary voters in multiple states and the corruption of the caucus system and also the refusal to allow a real vote at the Democrat primary. When you take power in that manner you are going to be considered illegitimate by people who are paying attention. We also don’t trust the secret insurance tax plan which selects womens health care to be singled out and held hostage to some peoples religious beliefs.
Regarding this book, I have heard the gushing reviews and I appreciate this review. Based on what I know about the reviewers I choose this one to believe. No reason that should bother you either. You should read whatever you choose.
I’m with you on this one, Amy! (I haven’t had a chance to read through your archives yet, did you write an article about the Newsweek cover of Sarah Palin?)
Fuzzy,
Here is one of the articles about Newsweek. If you use the archive search box at the top right you can search “sarah Palin” and find many many others.
http://thenewagenda.net/2009/1.....-go-again/
Morgan
If the New Agenda appears to be anti-Obama, thats because Obama is anti-woman.
Read his two books. Lots of resepct for his polygamist father and his radical-racist preacher who still buys into the Bell Curve theory-sheeeesh!; but no books that show respect for his grandmother or mother.
Obama is the greatest enabler of America’s epidemic of misogyny.
99 Problems and a Bitch Aint One,-come on!
I must say that I was very impressed with the way that Sean Hannity defended Elizabeth Edwards against the gossip in this book that made her out to be the greater evil compared to her sleezy husband. Living in the NE region of the US, I was always ready and willing to write off republicans. But they are looking alot more mature and respectful of women these days than the radical left that has it’s sleezy grips on our nation currently.
Morgan—As one of the co-founders of this group, I can assure you that even if there is some anti-Obama sentiment (and what’s wrong with that?–this IS America after all and everyone’s entitled to their own opinion), our focus is supporting women—-ALL women regardless of party. If you go through our blog archives, you will see that we have written about all different kinds of women and we have their backs—-something that was indeed lacking in the 2008 elections. If standing up for women and seeing that we intend to gain parity with men is threatening to you, you might want to consider some form of psychotherapy to discover why this idea makes you so uncomfortable. Women having parity is good for all of us—-for you, me, our children and their children. It’s a cause for celebration. C’mon Morgan—-dance with us!!!!!!
Amy, thank you for your comments on the book. The delight with which “Game Change” was reviewed on talk shows is disgusting. Yttik is right [even though she backtracked a bit] about men being “unstable, gossipy creatures, prone to hysteria” and they should be kept off television “news” shows.
Amy, If people like you weren’t speaking out I wouldn’t know what I’d do. Marjorie is right, this book is being welcomed as if it’s the all knowing book of 2008 yet, still there is no evidence of anything claimed, it’s all hearsay.
I just finished Palin’s book a few days ago and I recommend it as well.
Amy, thanks for your insight on “Speaking Out” – great idea! I have not read “Game Change”. However, as much as it appears to trash Hillary (and Bill) Clinton, I do think it is the first to point out how the dem leadership was so in the tank for 0bama. They hardly scratched the surface, however. They didn’t go into how 0bama was actually selected by them and the DNC between 2004 & 2006. They then set out to make it happen by getting his campaign ready – he just had to show up. This will be an eye-opener for many who think 0bama won the 2008 primary and ge fair and square. It seems they did not get into the caucus fraud from Iowa to Montana, the race team to insure Hillary did not get AA votes, the DNC meeting on May 29, 2008 that disenfranchised 500,000 voters in FL and MI when the DNC voted to split Hillary’s delegates in those two states and *give* them to 0bama, and the unrelenting media bias against Hillary that included the women on those media staffs apparently trying to show their own independence. But, it is a start.
I don’t know that ignorance is bliss. I’m thinking about getting the book from the library and not putting money in their pockets.
I was amazed at the much toned-down rhetoric about Sarah Palin this weekend when she spoke at the Tea Party convention. Finally the dems that have included horrendous comments from women as well (I know many of them!) are understanding everyone is not enthralled with this POTUS.
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