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Originally posted by Atticus Grinch
Speaking of Arnold, anyone else bothered by the response his "girly men" line continues to get? It seem pretty obvious to this San Franciscan that it's either specifically directed against gays, or discloses a fundamental belief that men are superior to women...It bothers me when the crowd goes nuts over it. ..
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Well, overall I'm not surprised a crowd would enjoy the line. It conveys the idea of "I'm a badass" which crowds love to see themselves as being, if you think about it.
You're right that the negative attribution of female qualities to any person should be criticized by feminists, women, or perhaps even gay men. I don't know that most gay men, however, would be offended because being called "girly" is simply not going to feel too insulting to a gay guy (as compared to a straight guy being called that) no matter what the motive.
I consider myself a feminist but am not bothered too much by the phrase because I think a grown-up man (or woman) charged with the responsibility of doing something important (like passing a law) should not act like a child (either a little girl or little boy) in carrying out their job. I equate "girly" essentially with "childish". Granted, Arnold could use a phrase like "little boy" or "sissy boy". Still, it's a lot different than saying -- "You are a weak dem and you are acting like a woman". That would be offensive and is pretty much what Ann Coulter does in about a quarter of her columns, if you recall.
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What other third-grade mentalities are going to become the common coin of modern political discourse? Cooties? I'm-rubber-you're-glue? No backsies?
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If you give me front cutsies, I'll give you a cooty.
Diane (too late; cooty store AND pooty store closed) Keaton
