Misogyny is America's True National Pastime

-
The title of Bob Herbert's recent article says it all:

Misogyny Is America's True National Pastime
The New York Times. Posted January 17, 2008

"If there was ever a story that deserved more coverage by the news media, it's the dark persistence of misogyny in America. Sexism in its myriad destructive forms permeates nearly every aspect of American life. For many men, it's the true national pastime, much bigger than baseball or football.

"Little attention is being paid to the toll that misogyny takes on society in general, and women and girls in particular.

"Its forms are limitless."

Here's the link to the whole editorial: http://www.alternet.org/reproductivejustice/74004/

Comments

Rev SS said…
Link didn't work for me ... but, wish it wasn't so true. So much work to be done!
January 19, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Terri said…
I think that misogyny is surpassing racism in its pervasive subtle destructiveness. A lot of work, rightly so, is going into helping us recognize the ways we humans are racist, and how we can be better people.

But many folks, women included are resisitant to looking at how we are biased about gender issues. Women have managed to make just enough gains that it looks like the issue doesn't exist anymore - but it is only more subtle and covert...

It breaks my heart when younger women think feminism is only what they have heard about the most radical faction, the "bra-burners" and are unable to see the real work that feminists did in the 60's and 70's...and are still doing now. I think Gloria Steinem said it well in the Op-Ed article in the NY Times a few weeks ago, I have it linked on my blog....

Oh - and if you have a chance, leave a comment on the FT blog...I don't know what you think of my reflection but it certainly springs from your reflection and kate's...
January 19, 2008 at 8:55 AM
Katherine Doerge said…
No doubt it's out there and a force to contend with, but I'm realizing more and more that education is the key...mostly educating our young women. I am shocked at the attitude and focus of many of my daughter's friends. They seem to have little respect or appreciation for themselves as young women. (And no lack of young men willing to accomodate them.)

I'm working hard to education both my sons and daughters. The jury's still out on my sons, but my youngest daughter seems to be getting it. The other day we were listening to song about a young gal pining for some guy who didn't even know she existed. My daughter turned to me and said, "Mom, if I ever do that, will you please smack me." I replied, "Gladly!"
January 19, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Jennifer said…
Katherine,
This is a powerful post and a powerful link.
On MLK weekend< I'm thinking a lot about the subtle, powerful ways in which we as a culture put down women and people of color.
January 20, 2008 at 5:26 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

"The Bible does not close discussions; it seeks to open them"

-
From William Sloan Coffin in The Courage to Love: The opposite of love is not hate but fear. If we are to broaden our vision and enlarge our hearts, we must allow risk to enter our lives, permit doubt to walk hand in hand with belief. It is a mistake to sharpen our minds by narrowing them. It is a mistake to look at the Bible to close a discussion--the Bible seeks to open one.... The Bible is no oracle to be consulted for specific advice on specific problems; rather, it is a wellspring of wisdom about the ambiguity, inevitability, and the insolubility of the human situation. It sings praises to God who...provides minimum protection but maximum support.... Finally, the Bible is a signpost, not a hitching post. It points beyond itself, saying "Pay attention to God, not me." And if, as the Bible claims, "God is love, and she who abides in loves abides in God, and God abides in her," then revelation is in the relationship. In all Scripture there is no injunction more fu
Read more

Mother's Day...and Children Everywhere, It Seems!

-
Image
Diane has such a beautiful post, " Mother's Day Reflections from a Non-Mother. " She expresses so eloquently much of my own feelings. Thank you, Diane. I blogged last year about the grief I finally was able to experience at not being a mother. (See: Two Souls ) And I was so blessed to receive comments from dear Lovely Passionate Feminist and from blogging friends that, to this day, have stayed with me and given me such solace. LPF, GannetGirl, Linda, Jan, thank you. (GG, I am holding you in prayer, holding you in prayer, holding you in prayer...) This past year I have seen mothering in new ways. Although I am childless, children are playing an increasing role in my life. The children at my church, to whom I am "Pastor Katherine," are amazing. I'm with them for a couple of hours once a week, but many have revealed their hearts to me. It's probably the best thing about my "job," relating to these children, loving them. This picture shows some of
Read more

Returning?

-
Giving birth has always been a powerful metaphor for me. Not that I relate it to physical pregnancy, but since I started awakening, 20 years ago now, in my early thirties, I could feel the creative element in life moving within me, making me something new. I'm listening to Jennifer Berezan's CD, "Returning." She chants throughout: returning, returning, returning to the Mother of us all... This music is haunting, smoky, with rhythms that sink to the beginning of time itself. She recorded the music is a subterranean temple/tomb used by the Neolithic people of Malta. The 3-level labyrinth has 33 chambers, stairs, passageways, all carved out of the limestone with flint and antler tools. Some of the chambers, 5.25 meters beneath the surface, are egg shaped. Maybe now you can begin to imagine the haunting quality of this elegant sound. Our local public radio station aired an interview yesterday with a scientist who is using DNA markers to track human populations movements
Read more