Three high-powered, successful women are right now discussing sexism

[sohndrsmith]

regarding the Kennedy issue (a segment on msnbc which is to be immediately followed by a press conference for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the President).

Did they not hear about Maloney or Hillebrand (sp?).

The whole thing seemed rather surreal (not to discount or dismiss that sexism does not exist - it does... but this just seemed really strange).

[ErinBerin84]

1. the media

has proved the past year that they can not discuss issues of race/gender without embarrassing themselves.

[murielm99]

2. Maybe it is time for the women of DU to sound off

the way the gays here have been doing.

Sexism is alive and well. It is insulting to have it dismissed.

[sohndrsmith]

3. you're right - it is alive and well... but are do you mean a specific

event (here at DU) or in general when you mean dismissed? I don't take it lightly, either, when I see it or experience it. I'm also aware that some women can undermine it by declaring sexism when doing so is really for self-benefit, not honest protest, and that bugs me too. In fact, I think it is so important that the accusation should never be said lightly, but I think this happens sometimes and it weakens the real problem. I'm not explaining myself well, but I think it's a very important issue and should be viewed as seriously as it is.

I'm just not sure what instance or event or environment you are talking about...

I have no problem with (gay people or anyone for that matter) speaking up when they feel discriminated against or treated unfairly for unjust reasons. It's not a contest, really, it's too important - whenever someone is denied rights or restricted unlawfully or prejudicially. It's all wrong, no?

[murielm99]

4. The specific event would be the ugliness today in

D.C. The anti-abortion crazies were out in force because of the Roe v. Wade anniversary. Their hate always bothers me. I cannot think of anything more sexist and anti-women. This has gotten very little attention.

I am disturbed, too, when the media decides to dissect the issue of sexism. Talking heads are so insulated from the issues that real women face.

We have faced a firestorm of anger here from our gay members. I don't blame them. The rest of us can't begin to understand what it is like to face the kind of discrimination they face, to have to live in fear of hate crimes, job discrimination and the rest of it. I watched my gay daughter work very hard for Obama. I saw her hurt and disappointment over the Rick Warren selection.