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MadameMarque -> RE: Sexist? (4/7/2013 7:55:10 AM)
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Despite the all-pervasive presence of gender-based bias, you must look at an instance individually and in context, to make what can only be a judgment call, as to whether what a person says or does is biased.
Fortunately for the President, this remark was preceded by other similar, un-newsworthy remarks made in public, at political events, toward male politicians. It was the light-hearted touch of humor at the end of his serious testament to this public official's admirable qualifications for her office. And the remark was couched in the public knowledge that the two are long-time friends, so that the informality of such a joke is friendly and permissible.
I don't feel it was sexist, and I don't believe that Attorney General Harris thought it was sexist, either. However, once the issue has been raised, the cries of sexism put her in an awkward position. How can she too casually dismiss accusations of sexism, in this case, without seeming to take this very real issue for women too lightly? Therefore, when reports have remarked that she has not publicly accepted the apology, I feel sure that this last consideration is all that prevented her from summarily dismissing the suggestion that his remark was sexist.
On Meet the Press, someone characterized these remarks of the President's, such as "this good-lookin' guy over here," referring to another politician, as awkward. Why? How is it not charming for a powerful public figure to inject a little gentle humor, breaking up the formality and putting someone at ease? It's not like he's being lascivious about it. I think it's socially gracious.
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