And more than ever, loathe Laura Ingraham.
Meghan McCain may not share my political point of view but I respect the hard work she did for her father's campaign (and she blogged while doing it!) And I respect any young woman who boldly steps into the world of politics today because, well... this happens...
Some back story: Meghan McCain has been writing on a blog called "The Daily Beast" and recently suggested that republicans and Dems should play nice. Conservative talk show host, Laura Ingraham took issue with this and spoke about Meghan on her show, not about her opinions (silly!), but about her body (of course).
She called McCain "a valley girl gone awry" and a "plus-sized model." Read the full transcript of Ingraham's assholery here.
***ASIDE-- Using "plus sized model" as an insult is just a total cluster of stupid-- #1 A plus size model is probably between a size 8 and 10 -- #2 Meghan McCain is beautiful and #3 Who the F**K cares even if Meghan McCain had to be wheeled around like jabba the freaking hutt?? Also, I seem to recall Laura Ingraham being one of the republican commentators that was SO UPSET about the unfair, sexist treatment Sarah Palin received. I guess republican women are only defended from sexism if they're towing the party line. Shocker!
BACK ON TASK-- The feminist community and women's online community are well aware that speaking your mind while female more often brings up comments about appearance or worse (threats of violence) than actual political discourse.
Ingraham's comment is just one more in a sea of public commentary -- political or otherwise-- that silences, mocks and demeans women for appearance. I can think of no similar situation with a male blogger or politico of any age being treated to this type of scrutiny on weight or appearance. But for women -- it's so common -- so INSANELY common that I doubt we'll hear much more on this story. Ingraham's schoolyard harassment tactics will be labeled 'no big deal,' and we'll be expected to move on.
Thank God McCain isn't taking it lying down.
Big shocker: When commenting on McCain's response, Ingraham said, “Can I say ‘lighten up,’ or is that offensive too?” She also pulled out time-honored asshole statement -- telling McCain that she needs to learn to deal with satire and “teasing.”
Word to Ingraham-- satire should be funny. Teasing should be good natured... and oh yeah, you suck! But that has nothing to do with your looks.... just your "personality."
Monday, March 16, 2009
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3 comments:
Nice to see you blogging again!
As much as I kind of loathe most Republicans and their ideals (there are exceptions, but I can't think of any), I have a tiny soft spot for Megan McCain. I think she might be on to something w/ her ideas of being a "progressive conservative".
Kudos to her for taking this on. She handled it really well w/o too much "i'm not fat!!!1!". Igraham needs to grow up just a little.
Have you seen her take on Ann Coulture (linked to in that Daily Beast piece about Ingraham and her weight)? It's pretty good (though I don't like the idea that being against the Iraq surge somehow makes me anti-military. People confuse those too often.
i dislike her father, but you know, good for her for standing up and speaking against the attacks on her. and what the hell does her body have to do with anything?? ugh!
As a McCain supporter it's fun to see that same spark that that her father has come through in a new generation and in a new manner.
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