Archive for the 'sexism' Category

From the GREAT STATE OF MAINE...

The first woman Speaker of the House is off to a rough start, judging by the public tut-tuts from the proprietors of high society. To be fair, Madam Pelosi is still adjusting to her position, so it would only seem proper to extend a brief grace period during which such unladylike behavior as a "catfight" might be overlooked. However, such conduct is, of course, beneath the dignity of the traditionally male speakership position, and cannot long be tolerated by the American people (not to mention citizens of the world, who are watching with at least one eyebrow acock).

In the interest of making this civics "experiment" work, C&J offers a reminder that the boundaries of civility are breeched at our nation’s peril. Further, we offer Madam Pelosi some tips she would be well-advised to tuck in her ample bosom for easy reference when conducting the nation’s business:

Always...

Graciously accept gentlemanly offers of assistance.

Wear gloves on the street, at church and other formal occasions, except when eating or drinking.

When crossing the street, one must lift her dress a bit above the ankle while holding the folds of her gown together in her right hand and drawing them toward the right.

When introduced to a man a lady never offers her hand, she merely bows politely and says, "I am happy to make your acquaintance."

-

Never...

Grab your hoops or lift your skirts higher than is absolutely necessary to go up stairs.

Sit with your legs crossed (except at the ankles if necessary for comfort or habit).

Lift your skirts up onto the seat of your chair when sitting down. (Wait for, or if necessary, ask for assistance when sitting down at a table or on a small light chair).

Speak in a loud, coarse voice.

(From, oddly, "The Gentleman’s Page: A Practical Guide for the 19th Century American Man")

Update: We have just been informed that the catfight between Madam Pelosi and Lady Harman took place in a vat of Jell-O. So never mind. Anyone got pics or a YouTube link??

It rubs the weekend on its skin or it gets the hose. Your West Coast-friendly edition of Cheers and Jeers starts in There’s Moreville... [Swoosh!!] RIGHTNOW! [Gong!!]

As mcjoan pointed out last night, as the first woman Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi – and the American voting public – has come a long way, fellow babies.

Perhaps it’s time for the press corps to catch up.

From the Washington Post this morning:

Catfight aftermath: Rep. Jane Harman is still quite irked that House Speaker-designee Nancy Pelosi nixed her for chairman of the House intelligence committee – and she's not exactly being stoic about it.

"Catfight?" "Quite irked?" "Not exactly being stoic?"

Arrrgh. This kind of language reduces the serious tactical political differences between the two reps to the level of a couple of women who purchased the same dress slapping each other silly in a back room over who gets to wear it to the swearing-in.

Hmmmm ... remind me again: What was Pelosi’s objection to Harman anyway? Oh, yeah (insert head slap here), it was this:

Pelosi and other liberal Democrats believed that Harman, a moderate, failed to challenge the administration's alleged abuses of intelligence.

The matter of holding the president accountable for his actions is one of the foremost – if not the foremost – issues facing the 110th Congress. To frame the Pelosi/Harman dispute as a "catfight" trivializes both the leaders involved and the underlying importance of Congress’ duty to challenge the president. See, it’s a two-fer: Belittle the players, belittle the issue.

Try this thought experiment: The next time Harry Reid puts the power squeeze on a male colleague, will it be characterized as a "catfight?" Will the squeezed senator be described as "quite irked" or "not exactly being stoic" if he fights back? I’m guessing ... um ... no.

And before everyone goes all "male chauvinist pigs!" on the Washington Post, take a deep breath and click through to the link. The columnist is a woman.

We expected as much from Fox, of course, and Fox delivered. Newshounds has a terrific blow-by-blow analysis of two hours of catty, petty Pelosi coverage, complete with one segment sporting a "Congress Catfight" banner.

Lest anyone worry that our new leadership is all about hissing and scratching in the back alleys over petty scraps of Constitutional import, BarbinMD sent me the following link this morning to reassure us that the press hasn’t completely overlooked the benefits of having a woman in power. Barb wondered if the Nevada newspapers were running similar articles about the new Senate majority leader. Really, people. You must click on the link to get the full ... how shall I say this? ... suitability of this story for this historic present moment.

Then let out a yowl or two.

We hit a major milestone in December - 1 million pageviews for the month!

Thank you all so much!

I couldn't have done it without you (actually, I could have gotten to half-million just from my Dad, he is a big fan)

I can't wait to get started on 2007.

I had a nice little break for Christmas but it made me realize how much I have grown to love the daily challenge of finding, shooting, and writing about great style.

I have some great trips lined up, new features for The Sartorialist, a new video for Style.com that I'm preparing to edit, and some more events in the United States (and ,if I can swing it, London, Hong Kong, and Rio)

I'm dying to make it to Sweden and efforting to make that happen soon. Should I go in the Winter or Spring?

Dying to go to Naples and Tokyo.

This posting is going longer than I expected so while I'm at it I want to send a thanks out to some of the people that really made a difference to The Sartorialist this year.

Mom & Dad

Dave Allen

Dirk Standen and everyone at CondeNet.com

Adam Rapoport & Jim Nelson and everyone at GQ

Michael Macko and everyone at Saks Fifth Avenue

Finally, thanks to everyone that allowed me to take their photos and played along ,in good nature, while people all around the world dissected your style choices of the day.