(no subject)

[novapsyche]

Interesting post in feminist regarding Obama's use of the word "sweetie" in reference to a female reporter.

(Ever since I heard about this exchange, I've been troubled by it. I don't know how to reconcile it.)

Comments

[custardfairy.livejournal.com]

I'm coming from this as someone who uses the term honey, sweetie, and darlin' a lot to refer to men and women. I don't believe the words themselves are inherently sexist, and yet I can't say that Obama choosing to use "sweetie" to address a female reporter was the wisest move he's ever made.

At the same time, his immediate apology and handling of the situation is something I applaud. I know I'm sexist, too. I am imperfect and I will continue to screw up even when I know better. I'm glad Obama has done his best to make amends because he could have just gone of the defensive and made excuses. He didn't.

I'm sure it won't be the last time he makes a mistake, or behaves in a manner that indicates he isn't always as aware or proactive as we might hope.

[timiathan.livejournal.com]

You comment so I don't have to!

I'll just add that when we're facing 8 years of fascistic federalism, an imploding economy, and the greatest crises humanity has faced since the Industrial Revolution in the end of cheap oil and concurrent global warming -- I don't care to parse one of 50 million words these people have said on tape over the last 12 months.

He screwed up, maybe it hints at a part of himself he'd like to change, nobodies perfect, move on.

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

Well, I didn't initially bring it up on my journal--I just thought the discussion in feminist was interesting. There are many ways to view the incident.

I think part of the issue is that feminists are instructed that the very language people use continues to embed sexism into our culture, so we are tasked with calling people out whenever they transgress.

[timiathan.livejournal.com]

Oh I don't disagree at all -- I'm glad someone called him out, and I'm glad he apologized and says it's something he's working to correct. You hit the nail on the head with this comment, though...that's the thing, sexism is so embedded in our culture, it's so subtle and so pervasive and so often ignored, that slip ups like these are inevitable. The important thing is that one recognizes when they do it and why they shouldn't. I think he has.

[custardfairy.livejournal.com]

What you said. :)

I'm glad that you pointed it out, novapsyche. I read the discussion with much interest and see a lot of valid points being made on all sides.

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

*smile* I'm glad you enjoyed the discussion.

feminist is a closed community, but if you want to have posting privileges, you need only email one of the moderators.

[timiathan.livejournal.com]

Furthermore, McCain calls his wife a cunt. Hillary Clinton intentionally makes a racist argument every time she says, "Obama can't win the general election." Neither of them confess or apologize. Given the options, Obama seems noble for acknowledging his flaws.

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

I had no idea of the McCain thing until you and fizzyland brought it up. That is just . . . sad (especially since he is still holding office).

Hillary Clinton intentionally makes a racist argument every time she says, "Obama can't win the general election."

Yes, and it disappoints me deeply to see so many people excuse her implications and/or refuse to see the inherent racism.

[pgdudda.livejournal.com]

I agree with the "inherent racism" bit -- but, just to play a bit of "Devil's Advocate":

Isn't it also expected that one would use every tactic possible to get rid of one's rival, including pointing out that racism - both explicit and subconscious - might very well prevent Obama from being elected?

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

Race was something that everyone acknowledged at the beginning of the campaign. However, I don't see why the argument "some parts of the country are racist will not vote for a black man" should be a winning one for Ms. Clinton. "I attract the supremecist vote." "I'm the right shade." It just doesn't fly. Also, it doesn't work within the construct of the platform of the Democratic Party (the Democratic paradigm, if you will).

[pgdudda.livejournal.com]

Thank you for elucidating something I couldn't quite put my finger on.