The Washington Post published a lengthy article in its Style section on July 15 about Operation Rescue founder Randall Terry. The article painted an almost sympathetic portrayal of the man who had this to say about the recent killing of abortion provider Dr. George Tiller: "Tiller was a mass murderer, and, horrifically, he reaped what he sowed."
What The Post neglected to address was Terry's horrific brochure targeting Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor as a "radical supporter of child-killing." Also missing from the picture was the impact of Terry's words and actions on women seeking reproductive health services or the health care workers and clinics that provide those services.

National Organization for Women, July 16, 2009

More offenders in : Reproductive Rights, Judicial Nominations, Media Activism, Abortion, Print Publications, Media Hall of Shame

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Offender: "The Reliable Source" by Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts

Media Outlet: The Washington Post, printed 7/9/09

The Offense: The paper ran a photo in its Style section with this caption: Question: What do Barack Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy (pictured yesterday at the G-8) have in common? Answer: They're men.

NOW's Analysis: Isn't it so true that all men just can't help themselves -- they love to ogle women?! Even the U.S. president isn't immune from being just like all the other sleazy guys, right? Well, that's the premise The Washington Post is pushing with its photo and caption. But video from the actual event shows the full context, debunking the impression that Obama was checking out the young woman's rear end.

Take Action: Post comments on The Washington Post web page telling them to do their homework next time and to stop promoting the stereotype that all men just can't help ogle women. And, send a letter to Michael Abramowitz, Washington Post National Editor, and tell him what you think.

Lisa Bennett, NOW Communications Director, July 10, 2009

More offenders in : Objectification of Women, Print Publications, Media Hall of Shame

Rank this item with our Misogyny Meter: Currently 2.53/5 1 2 3 4 5 i

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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.

Lisa Bennett, NOW Communications Director, February 2, 2009

More offenders in : Objectification of Women, Ageism, Print Publications

Rank this item with our Misogyny Meter: Currently 3.47/5 1 2 3 4 5 i

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