fantasy women of the gop

[niyad]

Fantasy Women of the GOP
Jessica Valenti on August 28, 2012 - 3:56 PM ET

As the “war on women” continues, my sole comfort has been watching dumbfounded Republicans try to explain away the misogyny that’s so foundational to their agenda.

. . . .

To Republicans, women exist parenthetically—pesky asides that occasionally require some lip service. It’s why Paul Ryan can describe rape as a “method of conception” without batting an eye, dismiss criticisms about the term “forcible rape” by saying it was “stock language,” or call a health exception to abortion legislation a “loophole.” It’s why Republican Senate candidate Tom Smith of Pennsylvania can say rape is “similar” to having a baby “out of wedlock.” It’s the thinking that led John McCain to put air quotes around “health of the mother” in a 2008 presidential debate with Obama, and why during a Republican primary debate earlier this year the candidates had a whole conversation about limiting birth control without even uttering the word “woman.”
. . .

Republicans only bother to acknowledge women when they’re reasserting our status as second-class citizens. Sure, they occasionally feign outrage over supposed attacks on stay-at-home moms (while nary a word of paid parental leave is spoken) and they trot out their wives to assure us how much their hubby respects women. But we know the truth—that this “respect” is conditional. It’s not based on a belief that women are deserving of human rights, but on a very specific set of rules and roles we are expected to adhere by.

Republicans can spin all they like, but what they don’t understand is that women can recognize dehumanization from a mile away. We live it every day. We know what it is to talk to a person and suddenly realize they believe us stupid because of our gender. We listen while people mansplain topics we’re experts in. We watch media that presents us as little more than masturbation fodder and walk down the street feeling lecherous stares on our back. We know what you mean when you say “legitimate” rape. We know exactly what you’re thinking when you pretend to give a shit. Women know exactly how little Republicans think of them.
So please, guys, do us the favor of not acting so shocked when we call you on it.
. . . . .
http://www.thenation.com/blog/169598/fantasy-women-gop

[iemitsu]

1. excellent article.

the sanctimony projected by the republicans while spewing the most hateful and vile attitudes toward women, ethnic minorities, the poor, etc. is beyond belief.
how can anyone who hears it be impressed?
wow, romney forcibly cut a gay student's hair in high school. i want him to be president? the list goes on.
golly-gee, ryan sponsored legislation that would ban all abortions in america and legislation that would increase the cost of health care for seniors. boy, he seems like a caring, thoughtful person who will be able to lead diverse people well, who will take care of my elderly neighbor when she no longer can take care of herself. he makes the bully ticket stronger?
the sad thing is that many americans are so disengaged with the dynamics of their own lives that they won't even pay any attention to the characters who get their votes.
it's all a beauty contest. who looks best. who has the most recognizable name. who has the coolest friends. who dresses better.
one would think that, especially in bad times, people would look for more in a leader.

[niyad]

2. sadly, many pols seem to be counting on people not caring, not looking for more.

[iemitsu]

3. and they seem to be getting what they want.

it is sad.