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Newest NOW Hall of Shame Inductee
SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- The National Association of Women (NOW) has inducted late night comedian David Letterman into their Hall of Shame for his recent opening monologue jokes. Presumably, CBS “Late Night” technicians enhanced the audience response which may have included more than laughter.
NOW noted “on his June 10 show, Letterman said he was referring to Palin's 18-year-old daughter, Bristol -- not the 14-year-old daughter who actually accompanied Palin on her New York trip.
“Letterman said 'I recognize that these are ugly" jokes'. NOW agrees. Comedians in search of a laugh should really know better than to snicker about men having sex with teenage girls (or young women) less than half their age.”
This attempt at an apology, Letterman seems to indicate that he knew the original joke referred to Governor Palin’s 14-year old daughter, not 18-year old Bristol.
Letterman also continued what NOW calls “examples of how the media loves to focus on a woman politician's appearance, especially as it relates to her sexual appeal to men.” NOW was referring to Letterman’s second attempt at humor about what he called Palin's "slutty flight attendant look".
It’s part of a pattern. When Chelsea Clinton was 13 years old she was the target of numerous insults based on her appearance. Rush Limbaugh even referred to her as the "White House dog. More recently. Obama strategist, David Axelrod, suggested that dethroned Miss California, Carrie Prejean, might make a good name for the official White House dog.
As the NOW website notes, starting in 1966, NOW's founders addressed the impact of media on women's lives. Ever since then, NOW's leaders and members have fought for “media justice for women.” Couching clearly degrading representations of women in humor, or what passes as humor forty years later in 2009 shows the extent of the problem.
That's the syndrome we’ve reached. Comedians, politicians, talk show hosts, and news organizations are allowed to incrementally demean woman public officials. That seeps into the private world of all women. If remarks like those of Letterman, Limbaugh and Axelrod are permitted for whatever political or comedic reason, then what is said in work places, and in private gatherings, is licensed -- even when clothed in sick humor.
Comments
I have to agree totally that women are being scorned and disrespected for now reason. I saw that totally with how Carrie Prejean was demonized for her comment and now with lettermen's comment about Governor Palin's daughter. It seems women today still do not receive the respect they deserve. It has happened in the past before these 2 examples and I am afraid it will never end. Prejean has been called every name in the book, Lettermen knew what he was saying, but never deemed it was disrespectful. However, Ihave to ask myself about the media in all this. There have been many comments by the media in lamblasting Prejean and all thru the election Palin was demonized as well. This will not stop for any woman..until even the press takes a hard stand, which will never happen. This is news..thats the problem, the press wants that controversy, no matter how disgusting it is...!!!
I ass raped David Letterman's illegitimate
son !!
[Rush Limbaugh even referred to her (Chelsea Clinton) as the "White House dog".]
Arthur; I must have missed that radio show; exactly when did that happen?
L:etterman is just a creep. Who cares about this old guy's fantasies? It is pervy to have a grand-dad like Letterman talk about a 14 year old having sex with A-Rod. Letterman might attract other pervy types, but not me.
I normally am not in agreement much with NOW, but they are dead on about this one. I like how Letterman's excuse was that he thought the joke was meant for the 18-year-old daughter. Oh THAT makes it appropriate. There continues to be a double standard against women in this area.
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