(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

[sophiaserpentia.livejournal.com]

I agree with those who say it does not seem to have been said malignantly, but that it does suggest that to some degree he dismisses women. He told the reporter, "Just a moment sweetie" (or something like that) and then never got back to her to answer her question.

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

it does suggest that to some degree he dismisses women.

This seems especially insightful.

[sttatus-quo.livejournal.com]

"Just a minute, sweetie." rolls off my tongue with disturbing ease in a professional sense. I can now second guess myself about am I being patronizing (I don't think so), channeling the male patriarchy of medicine (Maybe. It's not conscious or intentional but I do use it at times to get people to comply with therapy when an appeal to reason and common sense has failed) or just being "southern" where we call everyone "honey/baby/sweetie".

My head hurts now. I thought I was being nice. I detest having to measure every word. I really do.

[novapsyche.livejournal.com]

That was part of what some people were saying, that in some cultures (such as the South), this would not be derogatory at all.

At the same time, as someone over at feminist said, you can bet that no man calls another man "sweetie".

[sttatus-quo.livejournal.com]

Not het men, no. I hear "sweetie" all the time out of the some .. more nellie.. gay men I know.

My ex, as a nurse, used to call male patients "Chief".. which is a local New Orleans custom.

I think that het men do similar things by calling each other things like "buster" or "buddy" in particular tones.

Like everything else.. Context is *everything*.