Category: Ageism
Beck Talks Turkey, Insults Albright
Offender: Glenn Beck on The Glenn Beck Program
Media Outlet: Aired on radio stations nationwide 10/8/09 - syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks, a subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications
The Offense: On his radio show, Glenn Beck had this to say about former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright: "Good heavens! I'm sorry I just looked up at Madeleine Albright and she's . . . [screaming and laughter] No, normally it burns our eyes out . . . and look at the neck skin on her . . . does she kind of look like a turkey? . . . look at her eyes and her nose. She looks like a turkey."
NOW's Analysis: No matter how accomplished a woman may be, she is always subject to ridicule, particularly where her appearance is concerned. Men can get as old and ugly and heavy as they want, but women are supposed to be sexually appealing at all times and at every age -- otherwise, watch out! Like Hillary Clinton, who Beck called a "stereotypical bitch," and Sonia Sotomayor, who he referred to as "Hispanic chick lady," it appears that Albright should not expect the same level of respect that men in those same positions are routinely granted. And that's just wrong.
The added irony here is that Glenn Beck recently bragged that more women were calling into his radio show and showing up at his book signings. He's been doing shows with moms because he claims that "it's the women, the moms, that I think truly have an idea of what's going on" in the U.S. Of course, Beck knows better than to insult these mothers and grandmothers with jabs at their appearance. But the fact is that he insults all women when he belittles Clinton, Sotomayor and Albright.
Take Action: Tell Kraig T. Kitchin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Premiere Radio Networks, what you think about Glenn Beck's sexist, ageist comments.
|
Rank this item with our Misogyny Meter: |
Spread the word:
|
Host O'Reilly Compares Legendary Journalist Helen Thomas to "the Wicked Witch of the East"
Offender: Bill O'Reilly on The O'Reilly Factor
Media Outlet: FOX News Network, aired 2/9/09
The Offense: Bill O'Reilly compares legendary journalist Helen Thomas to "the Wicked Witch of the East".
NOW's Analysis: O'Reilly's comment is not only sexist and ageist, it shows a lack of respect for a courageous and outspoken journalist who has covered ten U.S. presidents. Would O'Reilly use a similarly derogatory term about an older male journalist? We think not!
Take Action: Write to the Executive VP at Fox News and tell him what you think.
|
Rank this item with our Misogyny Meter: |
Spread the word:
|
Fresh Look at Martha Washington? More like Same Old, Same Old
Offender: Brigid Schulte, "Fresh Look at Martha Washington, Less First Frump, More Foxy Lady"
Media Outlet: The Washington Post, ran on the front page on 2/2/09
The Offense: Writer Schulte describes the common image of Martha Washington as:
frumpy, dumpy, plump, old . . . fusty . . . withered . . . stodgy . . . mousy, fat . . . double-chinned Old Mother Hubbard . . . tired . . . dull homebody
and more.
NOW's Analysis: The article reinforces the message that a woman, no matter what her other qualities, must be "hot" and that her value is rooted in whether or not men are "sexually excited" by her. It is stunningly biased against women of a certain age and size. One of its main points appears to be assuring readers that this nation's "dashing and virile" first president did not marry an old lady for her money. Schulte helps to make an unmistakable link between the impression that George "loved her deeply and the assurance that Martha was "quite a beautiful woman in her younger years."
Take Action: Tell Michael Abramowitz, Washington Post National Editor, what you think about Schulte's article.
|
Rank this item with our Misogyny Meter: |
Spread the word:
|
XML Feeds: 
RSS