Is criticism of Julia Gillard’s performance as prime minister sexist, as Bob Brown suggests? Is the current bout of leadership rumbling reflective of the febrile, misogynist minds of male media commentators?
Sexism
Obama the feminist
One day it will not be a big deal when a woman, a homosexual, a black person, whatever, becomes a US Supreme Court justice. But that day hasn’t arrived yet, so applaud Barack Obama’s family for his feminist upbringing.
Holmes: The good old days of boozing, smoking and sexism
All the mythology of journos in the 70s covered in a haze of smoke and getting boozed at lunchtime is absolutely 100% true, writes Jonathan Holmes. That is, if you are a man. Women’s memories aren’t so rosy.
Putting a stiletto through the glass ceiling
Finally, gender diversity on company boards is back on the national agenda, writes Paul Quinn. Companies listed on ASX now have to discuss their gender split and the BCA have started a mentoring program for women.
“Writing is what the men do”: sexism in journalism
It’s been forty years since a landmark gender discrimination case against NEWSWEEK magazine by its employees. So, how much has changed for women? asks current NEWSWEEK journos.
Why we should scrap the Best Actress Oscar
How come the Academy Awards are still divided down gender lines? Acting isn’t sport and biological differences make no impact on acting ability, writes Kim Elsesser.
Female writer reveals: why I’ve been posing as a man for three years
Copywriter James Chartrand isn’t James Chartrand at all — he’s a female writer who has been working under a male pseudonym for three years. Unsurprisingly, “James” enjoys more credibility, more work and higher pay than his female counterpart ever did.
Sexism is a long way from a final bow in Oz theatre
On Sunday, a panel of critical women’s voices spoke of a “tsunami of discontent” that the Australian theatre industry in general is sewn up by male directors and writers, writes Steve Dow.
Newsweek go rogue with Palin cover
Newsweek has caused a big stir this week by running a cover photo of Sarah Palin — clad in rather tight running gear — taken from a Runner’s World photoshoot. Palin herself has labelled the move “sexist”. Is it fair to use editorial photos out of context?
Is Barack Obama sexist?
Following on from the mini furor this week over Obama finally playing golf with a lady, Hadley Freeman explores the PC nonsense and the ridiculous sexist claims bombarding Obama. Sarah Palin may have been the conservatives favourite female, but being a woman is not the same as being good for women.
Offensive Halloween costumes: a Crikey round-up
Halloween is around the corner and there are plenty of racist, sexist and grotesque costumes to pick from. While traditional Halloween imagery revolves around death and monstrosity, there’s often also a suspension of ordinary morality.
War no longer a battle of the sexes
After Greg Combet’s comments about allowing women on the front line, the defence force should prepare itself for a “seismic shift”. War will no longer be secret men’s business, writes Rebecca Wilson.
SBS has a Sam Newman moment
The Footy Show rightfully takes a hammering every time one of its stars utters a misogynist remark. So when The Squiz gets sexist on SBS, where is the outrage, asks Michael Winkler.
Spit and tell: diversity amongst ultra-Orthodox Jews
ABC journalist Anne Barker was reporting a story in Jerusalem, when she was spat on by a group of ultra-Orthodex Jewish men. Was it because she was a woman, a journalist, not Jewish, or not dressed modestly enough?
Holding v Homebirthers: is risk-taking a gender issue?
Water Minister Tim Holding attempts a bushwalk in extreme conditions and he’s seen as a hero. But when women attempt to give birth at home, they’re regarded as ‘wingnuts’ and reckless. Why?
Churches today, political parties tomorrow
Conflict is occurring in Victoria between freedom of religion and freedom from discrimination. What counts as a relevant ground for discrimination and what doesn’t? It’s the state that has to decide.
HuffPo: liberal but sexist?
Exactly what do nipple slips and boob jobs have to do with liberal politics? asks the Washington City Paper.
Silvio’s risky game with his signorinas
In a public letter gleefully received by Italy’s newspapers, Silvio Berlusconi’s wife him of a “lack of discretion in his exercise of power which offends the credibility of all women”. And with good reason.
