Here is an off-topic but related question this weekend.
This week Democrat presidential candidate Barack Obama was touring a Detroit auto plant when a female reporter tried to ask him a question…
Obama later apologized to the reporter for calling her “sweetie.” Do you think he was displaying sexism in an un guarded moment, or are we all just hypersensitive to any “-isms” in these politically correct days?
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Jill Stanek is a nurse turned speaker, columnist and blogger, a national figure in the effort to protect both preborn and postborn innocent human life.
Ewwww. Very condescending. The next President of the US??
It all depends on who does it. Since Obama supportes abortion and the left wing agenda then he will likely be given a free pass. I mean, just look at Ted Kennedy who lets a woman drown and, while suffering delusions of being a college boy, went out looking for women with his nephew. This resulted in a rape charge against the nephew. We didn’t see the feminists turn against the Kennedys and support this woman did we? Then there’s Bill Clinton, who has been accused of everything from exposing himself to rape. Do the feminists waver in their support of either of these characters? They’ve stood by their men and I’m willing to bet will overlook Obama’s, uh, slip.
Laura, you’re still in time out. One more week.
Laura,
Did McCain call his wife a name? I think its so nice as well that Bill Clinton never publicly humiliated his wife and daughter.
What name is this that McCain called his wife? Sweetie? There’s kind of a difference between calling your wife “sweetie” and calling a perfect stranger “sweetie”. One is a term of endearment and the other is a condescension. No?
I don’t see a really big deal of what Obama said to the girl, he may have noticed she was younger…
what is more troubling is his lack of specifics on what he will do for the auto-workers…what does “change” mean Obama?
Actually, MK, the name that McCain called his wife starts with c and ends with t. It’s got four letters, and most women find it incredibly insulting.
Jasper 8:58am
The ladies on this blog may beg to differ. Younger or not she is a mature woman and I consider that condescension.
However you are right about “change”. Exactly what is this change and how exactly does he plan to pull it off, other than taxing us into oblivion that is.
I agree with you Mary. I find being called “sweetie” by men who do not know me well enough to be that familiar is condescending.
Condescention in it’s extreme form from a “man” (termed used in it’s LOOSEST sense )who couldn’t possibly be any more full of himself.
I don’t like being called sweetie by unfamiliar guys too. I don’t think he meant anything by it, it just came out unthinkingly. We all have those moments. At least he apologized for it.
Mary @ 6:59 has it so right. While I believe Obama’s slip was probably not that big of a deal, had McCain done the same there no way he could have escaped being the headline news story in every major media outlet parading out all sorts of condemnations from indignant feminists.
Stephanie 11:56am
Yes he did apologize so I’ll give him that. I would still like to know what all the change is and how he’s going to bring it about. I don’t believe he even answered the question he was asked concerning the auto workers.
I often call people panda pants. Not usually to strangers though. I wouldn’t be offended by being called sweetie, a lot better then what most of you pro-lifers call me.
“Keep strutting your panda pants Jill”
or in English,
“Thanks for all the new and interesting topics Jill”
Hi Jess, ya sweetie!! :)
Barack Obama has a young daughter. (Maybe two daughters, I’m not sure about his other kid’s gender.) He’s used to calling girls “sweetie”. I think he can be excused for an occasional slip.
SOMG,
Girls yes, mature women no. I don’t call grown men “sonny”. How do you know he calls his daughters “sweetie”?
I know nurses who call all the female patients “sweetheart”.
Do you think he was displaying sexism in an un guarded moment, or are we all just hypersensitive to any “-isms” in these politically correct days?
Definately hypersensitive! I think if Obama would have said, “Sweetie”, and then answered her question, I don’t think you would hear her complaining about it. Some women get offended by anything men say to them, or don’t say to them, for that matter!
I slip sometimes and call someone other than my wife “babe.” I always apologize.
That’s very good Hal. But, I think that’s a habit you should break yourself of. I would NOT like a strange man calling me babe, in the library! That would be very creepy.
BTW: that term tells me alot about what the man thinks of women.
Jess, 2:07p: Thanks. Your comment makes me happy… :)
SOMG, 5:25p: Yes, I also know nurses who call patients, “sweetheart,” “sweetie,” etc. I don’t like it when women call me that either. I think it’s condescending.
I don’t mind it if it’s an elderly lady at the reference desk who’s asking me to do something for her (and usually it’s “love” and she has a British accent!).
Jill are making Laura stand in the corner?
Patricia, I was joking. Trying to, anyway
Hal, your jokes are lame.
Patricia, yes, Laura is in time out for another week.
Goodness me, does she have to write lines…
Do you think this will really change anything, Jill?
I don’t see a really big deal of what Obama said to the girl, he may have noticed she was younger…
Right on, Jasper. Good grief….
SoMG: I know nurses who call all the female patients “sweetheart”.
Exactly, and waitresses who call everybody “sweetie” or “honey,” etc. Ay yi yi….get out in the real world people.
Patricia, this was Laura’s 2nd ban. 3rd one and she’s out for good. I don’t know why she keeps coming back. I suspect pro-aborts are paying her to wreak havoc here. She spends too much time during the day here while supposedly holding down a full-time job. At any rate, one of our moderators has a soft spot for her, and that’s the real reason I’m giving her just one more chance, if she comes back after another week.
I just posted on this exact same subject at Feministing. Funny how that works. :)
I think that he probably didn’t intend to be condescending. I also think that intent isn’t the only thing that matters. If a man doesn’t *mean* to be condescending by calling a woman “sweetie”, but it just so happens that he would never think to use a diminutive, overly-familiar term to address a man he doesn’t know, then it’s still sexist.
I do think it’s a good sign that Obama apologized, and (mostly) didn’t try to defend it. It’s good to see somebody in public life say “I screwed up, I’m sorry.” We could use more of that.
At least he didn’t call her a punishment.
LOL, HisMan!!!
Good one!
Hey, I called Bobby Bambino “Stud” because he said that Eduardo was good looking or something. Is that politically correct if I’m not gay?
Has anyone ever seen the movie “Terms of Endearment”?
I think Jack Nicholson should play Obama someday. I can just see an eyed glazed over, hair twisted, maniacal murderous “The Shining” Jack standing over a mother ready to give birth with an axe in his hand saying, “the die is cast, no life for you you punishment from God, you non-viable, non-sentient, sentenced-to- death, glob of cells and tissue, begone with you and let my people live…..ha, ha, ha, ,ha, ha, ha…..
“From the heart, the mouth speaks”.
I know people who know Obama and his character.
They have desribed him as one of the most arrogant men they have ever met.
This “sweetie” thing is evidence of that.
Calling his grandmother a “typical white person” is evidence of that.
Characterizing a baby as a “punishment” from God indicates a heart full of pride and arrogance and is evidence of that.
Giving a 20 year ear to a so-called pastor as deluded as Mr. Wright is evidence of that.
Being on the same board with a Marxist and former Weather Underground member, and proponent of the Ayers’ Marxist Educational theory, which is mainstream in the nation’s schools of education, is evidence of that.
Not voting against a bill that would protect a born alive baby from being executed is evidence of that.
Obama is a low life. You Liberals want him to ruin our country, have at it. You deserve the future he will give you.
HisMan 1:18am
But don’t you remember, he never heard anything his pastor said!
Ehh – working in healthcare, calling people “hun” or “sweetie” is very very very common – usually just because its something to call someone when you don’t know their name thats a little more affectionate than “hey you”, “excuse me”, or “mam/sir/miss”.
For me, it would depend completely on the tone. In this case, I wouldn’t have thought twice about it.
Lol HisMan, my family and I were eating with my Grandma and my Dad brought up the typical white person comment and my Grandma said something along the lines of black people scare her (or something like that don’t remember but I don’t want to put words in her mouth) and we all looked at each other like, “ooh typical old white person!” I can kind of see what he might have been trying to say. Like my Grandma and I were talking and she referred to him as a negro and then said, “that’s the politically correct term right?” Um, not so much Grandma. But whatever she’s a really good woman anyway, it’s just the way she was raised you know? 70, 80 years ago things were a lot different.
At the restaurant I work at I call people either sir or miss. Never ever ma’am. If you call a woman that in my experience they flip a pipe and ask you how old you think they are. And darn dingo’s I said 40 once to a woman who looked 50 and apparently she was a 30 something. It’s not my fault you’re wrinkled and delusional : (
I don’t think it’s accurate to say caucasian and African-American. Wouldn’t it be, African American and European American or white and black? I think white and black are just more accurate terms. Cause there are African’s and African American’s who aren’t black, like they look white, Asian’s and Asian American’s from Armenia who look white or would consider themselves white or people from Europe who are black. Black and white is just easier.
Besides Caucasian would describe people from the Caucus mountains.
P.S. I want Laura back.
Jess 9:49am
I well remember when the word “Negro” was the politically correct term and always used in reference to black people. Calling people “black” was viewed as inappropriate. I believe the word Negro was viewed as more proper than “colored” and is now viewed as an insult.
Some 1960s black pride advocates brought up, very appropriately, that there is nothing shameful about being black so call black people black! Certainly makes sense doesn’t it?
Around this time the “afro” haircut became a symbol of pride, why should black people straighten their hair and try to look white? Then white people adopted the “Afro” and black people went back to straightening their hair.
Also the movie “10” with Bo Derek in cornrolls started a “new” craze. Black people pointed out their great grandmothers wore cornrolls so what’s so new about them!
Oh yes, around the 1960s the term “Afro-American” came and went. I remember when it became “African-American” and now “people of color”, which could be viewed as a variation of “colored people”.
Everything old is new again.
Like you I think we should stop obsessing on our differences with this “diversity” claptrap. Diversity is nothing new,we’ve always had diversity, and we’d all be better off if these “diversity experts” would get real jobs.
The best way to overlook our differences is to stop making such an issue of them.
Speaking of afro’s I recently chopped off about 6 inches of hair and my uber curly hair has turned fro-ish in the heat : ) I like to stick flowers and stuff in it.
Amanda 9:20am
Working in the medical area I never address patients in that manner. I’m also very careful to address patients, especially the elderly or people of different cultures, as Mr. Ms. Mrs. or Miss. These are people who may find being addressed by their first names highly offensive and presumptuous.
My very elderly mother has informed me she deeply resents being addressed by her first name by medical people and I’m sure she represents the mindset of elderly people.
Also, I’ve learned the hard way never to assume who the person with the patient is when I assumed a child’s mother was his grandmother! Her displeasure was very apparent. I’ve seen more than a few wives asked if they were their husband’s mother!
I always say “your relationship to the patient is…? Its considerably easier than pulling my foot out of my mouth.
Never ever ma’am. If you call a woman that in my experience they flip a pipe and ask you how old you think they are.
Wow, really? I’ve been getting ma’amed by customer service type people since my mid-20s, at least. Never thought twice about it.
Jess, I kind of want Laura back too. That makes me feel weird. So does MK and Rae. We were chatting about it yesterday when we went to see the fishies.
Ma’am is more popular in the Southern U.S. which is known for its manners less than the North, I believe. I look at the word ma’am as a sign of respect. At the check out counter at a store, I’d rather hear “thank you, Ma’am” than “here you go” or silence followed by more silence. Eye-contact is an extra bonus!
Where have all the manners gone? Many people don’t know how to say “thank- you” and “you’re welcome” anymore. “No problem” shouldn’t be a substitute for “you’re welcome”.
While on the subject of manners – my pet peeve – you’re at a nice restaurant and a twenty-something waiter approaches your table and says “hi guys!”.
I associate the word “sweetie” with a conversation between an adult (usually a woman) and a younger child, an affectionate, non-sexual expression. If it’s directed by a man towards a stranger, it could be misinterpreted. Probably not the best choice of words, but it would have to be interpreted in the context of the situation by those who know the person’s speaking habits, in my opinion. It’s hard to say if Obama was wrong or not without knowing him personally.
Speaking of manners when I was at work yesterday one of the dishwashers always said thank you to me when I brought in a tray of dirty dishes for them to wash. I thought he was just being a jerk because of the way he saying it and always saying it but after awhile of I guess getting funny looks from me he said, “I’m not saying thank you to be mean I actually mean it.” And I said, “Why I bringing you dirty dishes?” And he said “it’s work it’s not supposed to be fun.” I always smile and say thank you and excuse me to the customers when I’m clearing their tables or wrapping their food, but I definitely not thanking the kid who throws their rice at me. Difference between a parent and a breeder? Stupid breeder (not going to call this person a parent cause they weren’t parenting) just laughed and laughed some more when the kid was kicking me when I was cleaning it up. One nice parent actually put some place mats under their kids high chair and then folded them up when they were done. Those are the Mom’s who deserve Mother’s Day.
Two I’s in there were supposed to be “I’m”.
Obama is a low life. You Liberals want him to ruin our country, have at it. You deserve the future he will give you.
Posted by: HisMan at May 18, 2008 1:18 AM
I yearn for a future brighter than the last 8 years Hisman. I’ve given my money, and I will give some of my time, to get this fine man to the White House.
Jill, thinking Laura is paid by pro-choice groups to post here? Don’t flatter yourself, Sweetie.
This sweetie comment has devastated the campaign…only 75,000 went to see him speak today…
75,000 is probably more than all the attendees of McSame rallies combined.
Hal,
What’s your favorite flavor of Obama kool-aid?
Hal,
The people in Indiana want their “pickup truck and guns” beverage back
Unborn babies are dying to get rid of the “you call this hope” lemonade
Women want to change from the “sweetie pie” punch
Chistains are tired of the “bitter hypocrite” kool-aid
Hal,
Rev. Wright swore off the Obama kool-aid
Indiana wants a pickup truck and guns pick-me-up
Unborn babies are dying to get rid of his “you call this hope” milk
Women want a change from his sweetie pie punch
Chistians are tired of his bitter hypocrite wine
Maliki is worried about his leave us to die tea
The people in NY are worried about his negotiate with terror stew.
Kids love their change change change aphrodisiac
90% of blacks love their brother in charge boy
Planned Parenthood loves their fetus&BC MaiTai’s
Osama loves the talk while we make plans to kill you flask of blood
“Obama is a low life. You Liberals want him to ruin our country, have at it. You deserve the future he will give you.”
Posted by: HisMan at May 18, 2008 1:18 AM
I worry about the future too. Let’s remember the power each of us has in our own lives to make change for the better. If we each vowed to do one positive thing for someone else each day….think of the good we could do.
The name-calling that’s been going on at Jill’s has been a bit disheartening. The PC’rs are right that often times we PL’rs don’ live up to our ideals. But respect goes both ways. All we can do is take one day at a time…and do our best. Maybe today will be a better day?
Truthseeker is channeling yllas.
Hal,
Have another shot of kool-aid, you can do better than that.
Kids love their change change change aphrodisiac
90% of blacks love their brother in charge boy
Planned Parenthood loves their fetus&BC MaiTai’s
Osama loves the talk while we make plans to kill you flask of blood
Posted by: truthseeker at May 19, 2008 3:30 AM
Care to explain the above quoted post now that you’ve sobered up?
Naive kids have a crush on him cause they don’t have the experience to see he is full of promises just to get their vote.
I think he will keep 90% of the black vote just cause they are voting by race.
Obama might as well be the CEO of the abortion industry cause his ties to them and support for their “operations” go beyond what any sane persons support would be – google the Illinois Born Alive Infact Act for details of the insanity
Osama would like Obama cause he would pull out of Iraq and Al Queda would make a stronghold there to launch “operations” on the US.
Carla, Thanks. I’ll take a look at the “Fatherhood Forever Foundation” link. Looks good!
Janet,
The men’s stories are heart wrenching. Just to let you know. :)
I got called “Sweetie” by a waitress today at least four times.