April 27, 2007

Shrillary

Here's something from Karina:

Did you know that Hillary tried to join the Marines in the 70's?
https://ssl.tnr.com/p/docsub.mhtml?i=20070402&s=crowley040207

Also, if one more commentator mentions the word "shrill" in the same sentence as "Hillary" I'm going to be sick - men are never tagged with this word.

Thanks for sending Karina. I mostly agree. "Shrill" is defined as a piercing, high-pitched sound. Since women generally have higher-pitched voices than men, it is not totally sexist that the term would be more often ascribed to women. What is sexist is tagging the husky-voiced junior Senator from the Empire State with that description. I wouldn't call Hillary's voice high-itched and piercing, would you? Midwestern, flat and grating, but not shrill.

There's no question the word shrill has become code for "uppity woman complaining about something while wearing tasteful and very expensive business wear." It marginalizes the message. Strangely, Republican women have avoided the shrill factor - Condi, Harriet Miers, Mamie Eisenhower. All are respected not only for what they say, but for the tone with which they say it.

April 13, 2007

FREE IMUS (kidding)

Don Imus - history of stupid, racist, offensive comments. I also always thought he just plain sucked. One could argue (and I think I will) the reason he's in trouble and people love Howard Stern is that Stern is often hilarious while Imus is about as funny as his colostomy bag (am I going to get fired for that comment?). The phrase "nappy headed ho's" carries little amusement or mirth in 2007 not because it's more offensive than things Stern, Dave Chappelle or a lot of other folks say, but because it's just stupid and ugly-sounding. That's my take on it.
So, should Imus have been fired? Put a different way, should Imus be singled out? Is that really accomplishing anything? Is it fair? I know he's a repeat offender but so are a lot of other folks, on radio and elsewhere. Would you have shredded your American Express card if they continued to advertise on Imus? Not me. Who cares? If you want to consistently rebuke this kind of material and fire the people who make offensive jokes, fine. So are we going to crack down across the board on racist/racial humor? How can you even possibly be consistent about it?
Why Imus? I think a lot of grandstanding and opportunism is going on.
Imus said a lot of terrible things along the way, so believe me I am not lamenting his downfall. Maybe it sets an example for others, keeps people on their toes, raises the level of discourse.
Any thoughts out there? I'd like to hear from our listeners. We're talkin' bout the First Amendement, bitches! (copyright Dave Chapelle)