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The Male

So I'm a dude. I mostly like that I'm a dude. It's pretty good. But there are times when I just don't get the other folks who also have the y-chromosome. Read this today;

http://hannahhurtful.tumblr.com/post/96022836517/mediamattersforamerica-let-men-be-men-fox

First off, why is Fox News still broadcasting?!? Are there really that many neo-conservative conspiracy-theory believing nutjobs out there?

Apparently the answer is yes.

(Shudder)

(Literally)

I can't believe this is an issue. I. Just. Can't. Believe. It.

I mean, I know it is. But I can't believe that people are so stupid. It just is beyond anything I can even accept as  real.

Come on folks. Objectifying women is not acceptable. It's just not. Stop it. Really.

Comments

lillysmum said…
It's prevalent. I posted a link about #cutthecarls #morethanmeat, calling for recognition of the sexist and objectifying commercials Carl's Jr. (and a boycott) and one of my (male) friends responded this way.
" Have you had the burgers with the fresh made buns? Their delicious! And I'm guessing Paris and the other models were well compensated. When heiresses and supermodels quit taking the money for such work the you can tell me how this subjegates and objectifies women. Until then have a side of fried zucchini with their grilled chicken sandwich, and worry about your friends, neighbors, and others that need more immediate help."
Bill Cobabe said…
I inferred the "air quotes" around "friend".

Sexism is alive and well. Alas. I admire you greatly for your efforts to shine a light on something that needs discussion and understanding. It's the only way to fix ignorance - education and knowledge.

You rule.
lillysmum said…
I tend to expect more from Mormon men, you know, because I'm constantly told of their great respect for women. More often than not, I am let down, as evidenced. You are a breath of fresh air.
Bill Cobabe said…
I'm not sure what being Mormon has to do with respecting women. Or even gender. We should just love each other. Respect. Admire. Embrace. And always love.
lillysmum said…
Really? Not been listening lately? All the talk about how our Church has a firm respect of women? How the men in our church respect women MORE because they know their divine origin and place? No?
Bill Cobabe said…
Oh, I don't disagree with you. Quite the contrary. I see your point very clearly, and I concur. My point is that Mormon (or whatever) folks need to learn to love without reservation. Including themselves. Including those they disagree with. Including those with different skin color or eye shape or gender. Benevolent sexism is still sexism. It's not love, it's not respect. And it's not an excuse for poor attitudes or behavior.

Besides, I think I know better than to disagree with you. ;)
lillysmum said…
Oh, yes, I agree with you there. And, I don't think you do know better, as evidenced by the 18 comment debate about depression. Someday you'll learn. Maybe.
Bill Cobabe said…
Probably not. ;)

I was told recently that I prey on the emotions of others. It was not a compliment. It made me really think about what I am, what I do, and why. I came to understand that prey was the wrong word. I feed off, as in, gain sustenance and sustaining from, emotional situations. I like people who are passionate and engaged, and I seek to bring that out in people. I think that helps me understand them better, and therefore love them more fully.
lillysmum said…
Hmmm. Prey? I would not say that at all. I would say that you are naturally inclined to seek that out in people, as am I, because yes, it does help to understand and love them better. And, it's easier to see and respect the viewpoint of someone you love when it opposes your own.
Bill Cobabe said…
Yeah. She is very immature (not a qualitative statement, more a comment on her overall life experience) and unaware. It didn't hurt so much as make me think. And I was grateful for that.

Evocative, not provocative. Or maybe provocative to be evocative.
lillysmum said…
So, the takeaway I got from my post on FB, from my friends, is that sexism and objectification isn't really that big of a problem, I'm making a bigger deal out of it than it is, and I should focus on more important things.
Bill Cobabe said…
Right. Like how tasty a particular fresh baked bun is. Ignore the social implications of sexist marketing and how it undermines half of the country's self image and worth. Not really that important. In the large scheme of things.

(Heavy sarcasm implied)
lillysmum said…
Yes, but if it undermines women, well, it's our own fault for buying into it. I mean, the Old Spice commercial shows a man with big muscles, but you don't see all men feeling like they have to have big muscles to be important in the world, so what's the big deal?

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