Where is the Outrage by Feminists on Letterman's Sexist Remarks About Palin?

Today while watching The View, I agreed with the panel of women that David Letterman's comments about Governor Sarah Palin's daughter being "knocked up" by Alex Rodriguez were over the top and that politicians' kids of any age should be off limits. However, I was disappointed that they didn't address the other issue of his joke about her "slutty flight attendant" look. Truthfully, is this not a sexist comment? How could this have gone unnoticed by the five intelligent feminist leaning panelists? It is demeaning and an insult to Ms. Palin's intelligence.

Is it because she is a Republican who happens to be religious and socially conservative? Let me clear one thing up. I am a feminist from way back in the '60s who has always fought for womens' rights but I believe we have become our own worst enemy. During the campaign Gov. Palin's missteps were well chronicled and ridiculed by the Katie Couric interviews and the Tina Fey impersonations. But why is it that when VP Joe Biden makes a gaffe he is not called a "moron, bitch, stewardess, clueless, or idiot?" And most of these comments against Palin were made by women. She has been criticized by females on the right and the left sides of the political spectrum.

Was George W. Bush attacked so vociferously for his stands on abortion, gay rights, and stem cell research during his campaigns for President? No, in fact many believe those stands helped him get elected. I personally take issue with him and Sarah Palin on most of these hot button topics. However, I see a double standard when it comes to the media and the public when dealing with a woman politician.

Was not the Feminist Movement about women "having it all?" So why the questioning of whether Palin could raise a family and still run for higher office? Was not the Womens Movement about equal treatment for both sexes? So where was the outcry when Ms. Palin was grilled by the press about accepting money for her wardrobe from the RNC? Why are men never held accountable for the campaign money they spend for their clothing or other frivolous things (like hush money for an affair?)

Sexism is so pervasive and insidious in this society that it is almost invisible. Whereas racism is addressed and often called to account, sexism is not even recognized. I believe it is because of our society's obsession with sex and its ties to the economy (fashion, make up, magazines, Hollywood etc.) and our self worth. Females are taught at an early age to be competitive with one another to attract the male sex. We learn that appearance is everything and we must do whatever it takes to win a man. We are constantly comparing our looks to other women often becoming jealous if we don't measure up.

As a gay woman I have been spared this merry-go-round but I remember a time in Junior High where I was caught up in it. I wore make up and designer clothes, envied the cheerleaders and flirted with the boys. I am so glad to be free of that world. But I see a lot of girls and women still trapped in it.

Throughout the Democratic primary, while candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton faced sexism about her pantsuits, crying, and her perceived brashness, what Sarah Palin went through was far worse. At least sexist remarks against Hillary were pointed out by feminists. Is there some underlying jealousy here? I know that an unknown candidate needs to be scrutinized to see if she is qualified to be a heartbeat away from the Presidency. I don't object to that. But I feel that as a woman, Palin was subjected to an unfair evaluation by a ravenous media waiting like sharks to jump on her every move.

And while it is true that Palin's positions on many women issues are the polar opposite of most feminists, is that a reason to vilify her in the press? Personal attacks on her intelligence, her appearance (I recently saw an article in the Huffington Post about her toe nail polish, no joke!), and her family are uncalled for and over the line.

If women supported Hillary the way African Americans did for Barack Obama, we would have a woman President today. Sexism used by both men and women against women must be addressed and stopped. It starts with valuing ourselves as individuals and believing that true beauty comes from within. We need to support one another without being competitive and we need to see this as an issue that transcends politics and religion.

Comments

[strawberryjulius]

Sarah Palin did not know what she was talking about in those interviews with Katie Couric. The VP debate proved that she was not knowledgeable on the issues. She was merely repeating talking points. That's the reason why Palin was ridiculed and Biden was not.

As far as the rest of the Palin Family being attacked, that is her fault. She shoved Bristol Palin in to the spotlight, practically forcing her in my opinion, to campaign for abstinence. Bristol Palin is 18 years old, an adult, if she wants to be get into the fight over sex ed, she is going to have to expect the other side of the debate to attack her. Make no mistake, both NOW and Palin overreacted and used a mistake by Letterman (I believe him when he said thought Bristol and not Willow was at that Yankees game) to pursue their own agendas.

Regarding the last comment about Sen. Clinton. I am not going to support someone for president just because she is a woman. That would be sexist. Did you consider that maybe all voters (men, women & minorities) chose who they considered to be the best person for the job. It's commentary like this that turns young women off to feminism.

[TuoulumneFlower]

Joan, you have an important point. Sexism should be exposed and fought. But I feel you are buying into Governor Palin's faux-outrage "for all women." Letterman's jokes weren't about all women, they were about Sarah's horrifying parenting and incalculable hypocrisy. When he talked about her "slutty flight attendant" look I didn't take it as a remark about all flight attendants, but as an accurate description of HER look, pointing out how far out of touch SHE is.

Sarah is a misogynist down to her toes, playing the game of the good ol' boys - wink wink, "drill baby drill" - while presiding over a state where women are victims of actual assault, actual rape, actual pedophilia and incest, in high numbers. She's never said one word about it. As has been pointed out all over HP, she is disappointed a man who believes husbands have a right to rape their wives is not her AG. Her treatment of her children, and especially her daughters, is as sexist as it gets: to her they are incubators, and props for political gain.

McCain thought he'd appeal to women by selecting her as a running mate, an insult to women in itself; now she plays the part the deeply sexist GOP ask her to, without hesitation. She opens the door for sexists to have a field day. Asking a comedian to not walk through that door is shining the spotlight on the wrong end of the problem.

[QuietLightTraveler]

An insult to her intelligence ? Hmm. Is that one of those oxymorons or something. The very reason people get irritated is that they know Sarah is all about Sarah, an overly ambitious opportunist who fails to see that she really doesn't have the skills to be in top political office. And the fact that she is a concevative makes it worse, lol

[trisha08]

NOW is taking Palin's side over a joke from Letterman, but where was NOW when Palin nominated this man (WAR) who adovcates rape for married women?

Disgusting.

[trisha08]

Where is the feminist support for Palin? Are you kidding? I can't understand how Palin can be insulted by a joke by Dave Letterman when she nominated Wayne Anthony Ross for AG of Alaska (WAR-he calls himself). Read his words below:

“If a guy can’t rape his wife, who’s he gonna rape?”

“There wouldn’t be an issue with domestic violence if women would learn to keep their mouths shut.”

Wayne Anthony Ross was on the side that said there doesn’t need to be a law saying that a man can’t rape his wife.


Why is she making such a fuss now......T­here was no outrage from Palin on his remarks. In fact, she was really angry that he was not confirmed. Thank Gawd there are some decent people in Alaska who could not confirm a man a AG who speaks of women in this manner. She is a hypocrite and could care less about women.

[Subterfuge]

What if I dressed up like a Pimp? Full on zoot suit with purple pinstripes, faux sable around my neck of the same color, nice round hat with feathers popping out at all the right places, and a nice well crafted cane.

Could I not be made fun of for looking like a pimp?

If someone dressed up like a slutty version of a flight attendant, I described them instead as simply dressing as 'a flight attendant' would I not be offending flight attendants everywhere by suggesting that all flight attendants dress that way?

[Cloball]

You seriously don't see the difference between Palin, Hillary, and even Biden; and why Palin is treated worse?

We're you alive during the campaign? Did you even hear her RNC speech? That speech set the tone for it all, and if you fail to see that, then no wonder you are miffed. Palin brought it to herself because of that speech.

Then the two disasterous interviews with Gibson and Couric. Did you see those? I never in my wildest dreams expected her to be that dumb and was shocked after both those interviews. I've never heard a politician state that they had some foreign policy experience because you could see Russia from Alaska. That statement didn't floor you?

Did you see the debate with Biden? Have you ever seen anyone perform like that? Say they weren't going to follow the format, etc...wink at the camera. Talk to Biden the way she did. "Say it aint so, Joe."

Did you watch any of her hate filled speeches on the trail? Another reason to dislike Palin. She pushed it too far. McCain stuck up for Obama when that lady called Obama an Arab. Did Palin ever do that? No. The lies she told about everything else.

If she wants respect, she needs to show respect. She showed none. None. So she deserves none.

[grooveygrover]

sarah palin as a representative and a roll model for women will put the feminist movement back hundreds of years
while the jokes were tasteless and tactless please don't protect this person in the name of feminism any strong, independant, self assured woman would have taken the jokes for what they were, jokes.... and maybe responded in kind (with jokes) without using her 14 year old daughter as the brunt

[brijit]

Things sure have changed. In the past feminism meant fighting for the right to vote. Now it apparently means the right never to be offended by lame jokes.

[gulopartisan]

And the right to loot campaign funds, don't forget. Women have the right to do every despicable, disgusting thing men do, and don't you forget it. And calling a woman unqualified for political office is an attack on every woman's ability to be a mother, have a career, pursue neat hobbies, and bonk their employees (see above; men do it).

Feminism went off the rails when it hit the rock of American gluttony. Welcome to the trough, ladies.

[trisha08]

........An­d the right to NOT be qualified to be a VP candidate, but if we are pretty....­.we can dress up in 200K of clothes, hair and makeup and wink at the camera....­.that's all that's needed. Be hot for the men, but don't worry about all that learnin'.

Sorry, not my kind of feminism. Is that really what we fought for?

[raketrivit10001]

Women have worked for generations to be taken seriously on a national and international stage. When this woman shows up in a mini skirt and 4 inch red heels and winks her way through an speech, she does not engender the support of many women, whether they consider themselves feminists or not. She is not an example i want for my daughters, nor is her attempt at mothering any kind of example that i would want to take for myself.

[TurnToTheLeft]

I was raised by a feminist who also embraced fashion. Palin is not a feminist. Her policies have hurt women; example, women in Alaskan have to suffer the indignity of paying for their own rape test kit because Gov. Palin defunded the program - Alaska has the highest rape statistics in the nation.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wears utilitarian designer pantsuits and sensible shoes - if she wore red plastic platform sandals that were too small and displayed red nail polish with stripper decals with the toes hanging over the edge - THE PRESS WOULD SCREAM! Palin thinks of Dolly Parton as a fashion inspiration - Dolly said her inspiration was the town trollop... If the red shoe fits even if your red nail polished toes with stripper decals decals are hanging out the front - be prepared the message you are sending.

Furthermore, I have never seen a Flight Attendant dress slutty - that is a tired myth leftover from the 1970's sexual revolution books like COFFEE TEA OR ME? and Erica Jong's FEAR OF FLYING. Stewardesses work long hours in one of the hardest jobs. If anything Flight Attendants should be insulted by being compared to Governor Palin.

[sharonevolving]

Sorry, the rape kit thing was debunked a long time ago. Palin had nothing to do with that policy. And, Clinton WAS picked on for her cleavage, pants suits, and the castration anxiety she caused among men not used to seeing what a powerful and empowered woman looks like.

Palin IS a feminist. She may also be conservative, but at the rate liberals are trashing women in politics, this liberal feminist may end up conservative before it's all done.

[trisha08]

She is not a feminist.

Here are comments from the man she nominated to be AG of Alaska. Sound like someone who cares about women?

“If a guy can’t rape his wife, who’s he gonna rape?”

“There wouldn’t be an issue with domestic violence if women would learn to keep their mouths shut.”
Wayne Anthony Ross was on the side that said there doesn’t need to be a law saying that a man can’t rape his wife.

No outrage from Palin here except she was angry that he was not confirmed.

Feminist?

[hollace]

sarah palin will burn out.... she is her own biggest problem .. she is .like a pinball machine...­...new day new outrageding ding ding...who cares...

[Chock Fulogodness]

NOW has spoken out against Letterman for his remarks.

[mollymac]

What NOW does is inconsequential; I don't believe sarah palin is outraged for one minute. She is an opportunist and a master manipulator and will use any opportunity to get her shrieking face in the media. I do not support her and I do think the reason she is so vilified is because she has mandated it so by her own actions. People do not like her and that is not anyone's fault but her own. Sorry, as a feminist and a strong supporter of women, I cannot stand up for this phony at all.

[grooveygrover]

who cares
if NOW cared about women they would recognize that palin is detrimental to their cause

[trisha08]

If NOW cared about women they would have spoken out against Palin when she nominated a man for Alaska AG who advocates rape as a marital privilege.

[zanngra]

I think Letterman's joke was out of line and Palin had a right to say so, but here's where she loses me, she saw this as an opportunity for political posturing and wants to drag it out. Now she's the one exploiting her daughter. I think the kids should be off limits to the media, but they should not be used by their parents to further their agenda. Prime example: Bristol appears on Greta Van Susteren's show and says abstenence only is not realistic, honest statement from a girl who is a living example of that. That statement doesn't sit well with Palin supporters, so now Bristol must go out and be the spokesperson for abstenence. This doesn't strike me as putting your children first. As far as the treatment she received during the campaign, I disagree with some of your arguments. Did some people make unfair comments, sure that's part of the deal, but I have never seem someone play the victim quite like she did. I think most women want to see women candidates treated the same as men, and that means they have to go under the same scrutiny. They all have to answer tough questions (she's still whining about the Katie Couric interview). I think she did a real disservice to women, not because of her positions, but because of her behavior.

[JDowlin1]

Zanngra, before Palin got the VP nod I saw a clip of her criticizing Hillary for claiming sexism during the campaign. She felt Clinton shouldn't play the victim role. However, she changed her tune after the election understanding what Hillary went through. I felt the McCain campaign kept her under wraps, not allowing her to respond to all the charges being leveled at her. When it was all over she let loose. It's true she did herself a disservice with the Couric interview. However I believe women candidates are not treated the same as men and not asked the same questions. Look at all the attention given to their clothes, their appearance, their children etc.

[finnigan37]

John Edwards' haircut. McCain's $500 shoes. Enough said?

Stop cherrypicking.

[trisha08]

Not only that, but Palin said "the kids" are off limits, but she called Levi a liar and an opportunist when he appeared on Tyra. Bristol and Palin had already done interviews with Greta and People, so Levi told his side of the story.

Palin lashed out and called a teen boy- a liar and an opportunist. He is a kid that was thrown into the spotlight by Palin. Then, when he was no longer useful, she threw him to the wolves.

I guess the kids are off limits unless Sarah is throwing the darts. He is a teenager and she is the Gov. It was disgusting. Where was the public outrage then?

[ProfessorDuh]

Letterman and Palin were made for each other. Letterman is a comedian,, and Palin will always be a joke.