Oops, They Did it Again
Okay, maybe they didn’t insult a frillion mothers by equating them with drunken babysitters this time but don’t worry, the Today Show still managed to insult females in general.
Did anyone happen to catch the Today Show on Monday 1/29? While the hosts were doing that lame stand-in-the-street and chit chat routine, I believe it was Ann Curry who remarked (in a voice over) on an upcoming segment about the merits of learning to build this one particular type of model airplane.
And I quote:
“That’s a great thing to have your little boys learn how to do…because what a great study in physics and mechanics. I mean that’s a pretty fun thing.”
Yeah, anything related to physics and mechanics is definitely a boys activity because you know, math and science are, like, hard. Boys are just better at all that smart stuff anyway…
Thanks a lot, Ann.
(If you’re looking for the cocktail playdates post, click here)
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It’s Perfect Post Time!
I awarded today’s Perfect Post to Wordgirl for her post “One Thing“. I loved Wordgirl’s account of her husband’s happy, carefree way of experiencing day-to-day life. For me it’s a reminder that each day is special, no matter how mundane it may feel.
Check out all the other Perfect Post’s over at Suburban Turmoil and Petroville.
Just one more piece of evidence why I don’t watch the morning shows.
Ann Curry is the female news version of Dick Clark (pre stroke, poor dear). Freakishly unaging.
And now, so smart too. Impressive.
EEEEEP! Wow. I’m sure my 7 year old daughter would be disappointed to know she’s not supposed to like math and science and build model airplanes. They’re batting a thousand this week, aren’t they? Isn’t someone paying attention to these things? When I was a tech writer one of the more important tasks I had to do was make sure our publications avoided sexist language - does this even remotely apply to television? Come on.
She’s on television. Are you really surprised? When is the last time a television anchor, commentator or reporter actually said something remotely intelligent?
After the major puckering up and kissing of the Brangelina ass (probably with the promise of not getting pummeled by their bodyguards), who can believe anything that comes out of that mouth? Don’t you know where it’s been?
Sheesh, it just keeps coming, doesn’t it? Nice to know they wouldn’t have approved of my model rocket building when I was a kid. After all, I’m only a girl, what do I know about physics?
ARGH. I have definitely cemented some strong opinions about the Today show and its staff this week.
Open mouth, insert foot!
Mmmm. Who knew shoes would taste so good?
Seriously, this shit is why I don’t watch morning shows. I read blogs instead.
If you teach us math and science the next thing you know we’ll just want to wear shoes and leave the kitchen once in a while.
Speaking of that, my PC is in the kitchen…….
Geez, as if we don’t get enough shit from Linda Hirshman already, we need to be insulted by the Morning Show people?
Does anyone else get the feeling women’s rights seem to be moving backwards?
Gee Ann, it’s a good thing I’ve got boys. But how will I, as a silly little female, ever help them to do this worthwhile project? I guess I’ll have to hire a manny to take care of that boy stuff. I’m just not equipped to handle tough things like physics and mechanics.
Man, what an ass.
Today Show. I am done with you.
Do they not have copy editors? Wow. Just Wow.
I don’t watch the morning tv shows. But it looks like I’m not missing anything.
Scary thing that those type of comments just come out even out of the mouths of trainied FEMALE reporters. Unbelieveable!
(shaking head) Yep, I knew there was a good reason why I watch Blue’s Clues in the mornings…much more informative and balanced.
Izzy, you’re so silly. Don’t you know that boys are just smarter at some things? Oops, back to the kitchen with me - I smell something burning!
I didn’t build model planes and it never held me back in physics or maths. I didn’t do so good in the making stuff class, maybe that’s what making stuff makes you good at.
And then that crap seeps into our children’s brains. My Girlie, smart by most measures, thinks that she’s acting “boyish” to like snakes and bugs and science.
Is there such a thing as a knuckle-dragging cavewoman??
I get it that the Today show is mostly fluff but when the fluff becomes so overly sensational and sexist it’s really disappointing. Must we fight these battles everywhere?!
What Sarah said… creeping baaaackwards…
You have motivated me to write a letter.
It’s everywhere, and it goes both ways; check out Fraulein N’s post: http://belowtheeight.blogspot.com/2007/01/man-does-womens-work-film-at -eleven.html
“Don’t ask me! I’m just a girl. HeeHee.”
See how pretty I am?
I have absolutely zero problem with the fact that more little boys than girls are going to be into model airplanes. What I do have an issue with is not even giving girls the option, which is exactly what she did with her comment. Good catch, Izzy!
when i was on maternity leave i saw the ugly underside of daytime television–especially the Today Show . (at least The View has Rosie on it, but even so…)
are we moving backwards in terms of the women’s movement. yes, but thank fuck for blogs and writers like you and all the others. it’s seeping out, you know–i got emails from some friends today (not bloggers) saying “have you SEEN this?!” “Yes, I have. Now read these blogs…”
Sometimes I just dont think these people think very much…
It’s just like when Mattel had Barbie saying “Math is hard!” Not even a second thought about it…good catch, Izz!
Gee, I’m so sad I missed it.
Killing themselves slowly but surely. Go NBC. o.O
I was making calls to find former high school classmates on behalf of our reunion committee. I should mention that I am the oldest of three daughters in my family of origin. I spoke with a woman who had been one of my Camp Fire Girls leaders as well as the mother of one of my classmates. When she learned that I was the mother of three sons she said, “Oh! I just know your father was thrilled…now that he finally got his boys.”
Yeah…I felt like crap. First of all, those boys are not my father’s sons. They’re his grandsons and he loves them desperately…just as he loves his granddaughters. But the implication that I and my sisters were just….you know…filler until the real deal arrived pissed me off and insulted me. I get you, Izzy. I really do.
seriously, what the fuck?!?!?!
Not that I watch the morning shows (too busy blogging) but it’s official. Never will I tune in to the Today show.
What a bunch of dumb fucks. (Sorry for the potty language.)
It’s a wonder how these people managed to convince the higher ups that they were the most qualified people for the job…the job which requires them to be a voice piece for the masses.
Snort.
Oh, good god. No wonder I don’t watch that show. I am so happy that pumpkinpie has two aunties who are engineers and a grandma who was an architect. No excuses for her to not see it as possible! (Ya know, that and the fact that her fave toys include trains, play tools, and lego as well as fake food and her doggie. I’m all about unisex imaginative play.)
ahem…I don’t believe you.
;-)
The more I read of televison the more I am glad we cut our cable…
And incidentily my daughter has just completed her fifth model airplane…