Sexism is not real in Australia! is it?

[freakiness]

For all those who keep repeating that Prime Minister Gillard has not been the target of sexist attacks since she won the last election battle what do you call today's events?

First the Army.

Then the Tim is gay attack on Gillard.

Are you really ready to accept these behaviours as the norm for your daughters and sons? 

[poddster]

You have missed the point of what I said

[lynny_oz]

sexism is alive and well in Australia... 

no one on this forum have said it wasn't... 

And asking if Timmy is gay is not sexist, homophobic maybe but not sexist... 

I always thought he was a bit bisexual or something... so very relevant question imo

Now the Army saga... that is 100% sexist... 

and how does the Army problem relate to Gillard not being liked??? I don't get that connection? 

Can you please explain how it is in ANY WAY relevant?

[freakiness]

You have missed the point of what I said

No, you miss the point.

[i-need-a-martini]

and how does the Army problem relate to Gillard not being liked??? I don't get that connection? 

Even though this thread is not about whether Gillard is liked or not, I will respond by saying that the upward spiralling level of sexism in this country is a significant player in the reasons that Gillard is not 'liked'.

I will also go so far as to say that this level of sexism starts at the top (as do all attitudes and values) and I lay the blame at Abbotts feet.

I strongy suspect that if Turnbull had been opposition leader all this time, all this talk of sexism and misogyny would not exist.

And cat - any level of questioning that is asked of a female that would never be asked of a male is sexism. 

[debra9275]

I didn't realize how backward we are, I'm a bit disappointed in it really, I think I sort of dispelled it or turned a blind eye to it before, but obviously females are not treated with the same respect a man would have.

[vampire-teddy]

Australia is an extremely sexist and racist country imo with an undercurrent of homophobia although it is less popular these days to be homophobic.  i have always said on here and elsewhere that the way Julia Gillard has been treated is appalling.  No male politician has or will ever be treated this way.  John Howard back stabbed Costello betraying all his promises to him but did he get treated this way ... no.  For those who will say I am a luvvie (whatever the heck that is) I have also said I did not vote for her and I strongly disagree with some of her policies - refugees and gay marriage for starters.  But I am a woman and a feminist (and proud of it) and I am sick of the pathetic unequal rights in this country.  I think it comes from the top level of government and defence, through the media, sporting bodies and big business and sadly women often do not help by constantly picking each other to pieces and not supporting each other.  I do not think anything will change until women start valuing themselves and other women more and demanding that this rubbish stop.  

[freakiness]

I didn't realize how backward we are, I'm a bit disappointed in it really, I think I sort of dispelled it or turned a blind eye to it before, but obviously females are not treated with the same respect a man would have.

Because every time it rears it's head Gillard is accused of "playing the gender card" and the blame is put on her. What for? Just because she is a woman? She is supposed to put up and shut up.  We would never expect a male to put up and shut up with the level of vile insults slapped on her for the past 3 years.

[katydidthat]

I think the Army connection is in relation to Australia being a sexist country.  About 100 army staff are being investigated for passing round demeaning pictures of women. 

Teddy, we (women) seem to be moving backwards ... did you ever read Backlash by Susan Faludi?  

[silverfaun]

Seems to me that this "announcement" is very convenient for Gillard at the moment.

[i-need-a-martini]

We ARE moving backwards katy. And I totally agree with every line you wrote Vampire.

And like freaky says - if it is brought up by women then they are accused of playing the 'gender card'.  Anne Summers wrote a great article recently where she talked about the growing trend of blaming women who are the victims of sexism and how we now are more likely to treat the perpetrators as misunderstood 'victims'.

The same could also apply to the recent racism fiasco with Goode - how on earth did so many point the finger at him as if he were the wrongdoer??