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Why calling out misogyny matters (link)

I posted a few days ago some thoughts that I'd had about the noticeable sexism that can be found in the US Presidential pre-selection process. Without wanted to rehash it, I've been equally parts bemused, angered and depressed by some of my experiences online. Indeed, I've had a number of 'unpleasant' interactions in attempting to flag some of the inappropriate (read: sexist) attacks and assumptions on Clinton, or at least in trying to get people to at least self-identify that maybe some things should be 'out of bounds' in campaigning (like the t-shirt identifying Clinton as a prostitute). Generally speaking though, endeavouring to raise this doesn't seem to be provoking useful and thoughtful debate.

I'd like to think that I tread warily in these matters, and attempt to promote a good discourse rather than go in too heavy handed (at least on someone else’s blog!). But it appears to be to no avail, responses generally start at "Don't be so sensitive" to "fucking retard", "fucking idiot" or (my favourite) "you stupid fucking bitch" (I am a guy, BTW). And these occur in what are supposed to be "progressive" forums. I thought about posting a link to one of the nastier exchanges, but decided against it, because I actually don’t want to generate any sort of bounce in this guy’s traffic.

Anyway, the reason I'm going over it again is that someone forwarded on an interesting exposition on this from can be found on the Feministe website, titled "Why calling out misogyny matters". Anyone interested could well do have a look at what Zuzu has to say. It goes without saying that I agree with her, and would encourage everyone who encounters this sort of crap on line to 'call it out' when you see it, even if the response may well be as predictable as I've found. To me, to say nothing is far worse than to have no (obvious) effect.

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Lake Lady said…
You seem to "get" what's going on here better than most of the people here. And I think you are right on. God save us from ourselves! ;-)
31 March 2008 at 13:21
Kris McCracken said…
All that I would like – and the same applies in Australian political discourse – is for people to just show a bit of respect for others, play fair, rise above personality, focus on ideas rather than distractions and (heaven forbid) treat others in ways that brings people together rather than drive them apart. Thinking about how so many ordinary people in Zimbabwe have confronted violent intimidation and an already rigged election yet still turned out and cast their vote in a peaceful and respectful manner, we sort of owe it to them in places where that isn’t a problem to conduct ourselves with a bit of civility and respect, and not demean the process with the nonsense that can so commonly found.

Bloody hell, I’m sounding like Desmond Tutu! (Not that there is anything wrong with that.)
31 March 2008 at 13:48
Mary Stebbins Taitt said…
good points, very good. We need to speak up. Sometiems I get weary. I have to keep up the good fight.
31 March 2008 at 13:51
Maria Verivaki said…
hi kris - thanks for pointing it out: it's not mimosa, it's acacia - i got the name wrong and have corrected it on the post!
31 March 2008 at 18:37
Marcel said…
I listen to NPR (National Public Radio) and I have sexist remarks and some raciest remarks not from NPR but others. But all in all I think we have come a long way from years gone by. However, we do still have a long way to go before we no longer judge people by the color of their skin or the gender.

Thanks for visiting my Sitka Daily Photo Blog.
1 April 2008 at 01:40
stromsjo said…
From my vantage point the Clinton camp has given as well as they've taken but I do agree with you that the standard of online discussions in public fora is deteriorating. Same story in Sweden. If you can't take the insults and personal attacks, don't engage in online debate. This all spells bad news for our democracies.
1 April 2008 at 04:56
Kris McCracken said…
It does depress me as well that fifty people can engage in an online debate (from all different standpoints), yet all it takes is four or five idiots to shut down discussion and drive everyone else away.

The Guardian forums are a good case in point. You once saw a lot of really vibrant discussion in there, but now it’s all either one-sided vitriol or a few people on polar opposite positions taking pot shots at each other.

Not here though!
2 April 2008 at 08:14
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