(source)
Rep. Betty Sutton (D-OH) was the target of a sexist attack when Republican Tom Ganley, who wants to take her place in Congress, funded a mailer sent out by the Republican party that said:
"Let's take Betty Sutton out of the House and send her back to the kitchen."
Yes, it is astonishing that anyone could carry this mindset. Sad, sick, sexist.
Rep. Sutton is asking the public to sign a petition to push Tom Ganley to denounce this comment, and for Medina County Republican Party Chairman Bill Heck, who continues to defend this sexist attack, to step down.
To view or sign the petition click here.
Although, as a feminist I am saddened by Ganley's comment I do not necessarily believe that getting the man to denounce his comment accomplishes much.
I did post the above link to the petition site as I do not oppose the fact that Rep. Sutton is standing up for herself. My issue is that when a person is offended via a sexist, racist, homophobic comment the result is usually a demand for the person or persons to take back what they said.
I'm just not sure how productive this is. I say this because when a person apologizes under the hot lamp of media scrutiny it is obvious that they are only attempting to avoid more bad publicity. Sure, sometimes we regret the things we say but more often than not a sentiment that comes from sexism, racism or homophobia is deeply rooted.
So, we may get someone to apologize and take back what they said but that does not mean that their beliefs are any different.
Remember when "shock jock" radio host Don Imus referred to the Rutgers basketball team as "nappy headed hos"? He was made to apologize but most likely Imus carries the same beliefs he always did.
I also recall that the Rutgers basketball team showed up on the Oprah show and various other news and entertainment programs explaining just how talented and intelligent they are by listing various qualifications. In my mind they felt they had something to prove and I think that offensive commentary from a racist radio host does not suddenly devalue who a person is. I believe it was not necessary for the women of the Rutgers team to show the world just how non-ho like they are.
The point I'm trying to make is that when we are so offended by others that we demand that they apologize we are not really accomplishing anything for the future of feminism. While not responding to oppressive language and thought may not always be the appropriate choice depending on the circumstances it can sometimes prove to be a more mature and bold move.
Just as I believe the Rutgers team needn't have toured the media with their proclaims of independent womanhood, I think that Rep. Betty Sutton needn't send out a petition.
By all means inform us of Tom Ganley's sexist views so that we can go forth and hopefully make educated decisions. Let us oppose Ganley. Don't make Ganley recant his statement. It won't be a sincere takesy backsy anyway.
It is my view that demanding a retraction is merely an angered response and is not well thought out.
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