As a 68 year old woman who grew up when women were gaining their rights, I am not going back. And I am wondering if younger women do not understand the threats to their freedoms. If young women take their rights for granted then we are in trouble. Just like democracy in general. We CANNOT take any freedoms for granted as this want-to-be dictator has shown us. So teach your children, both male and female, misogyny doesn’t just hurt women. It hurts all of us.
As a 74-year-old woman, and a lesbian on top of it, I am with you 100% -- but I'm not confident that privileged classes, in this case XY-chromosome people, i.e., men, will readily give up power on the grounds that we're all better off if they do so.
Spot on Steven, correct when he attacks one he attacks all and they should all confront him. Don't just stand there ,discipline the man-baby. I wonder what it would be like if no one went to the press briefings. You all know his response will be nothing but insults and lies; Start questioning other members. You would be better off talking to the pilot on Air Force one.
Absolutely agree! As a woman and an American I don’t understand why the press corps don’t stand up for their own. We know that when he is confronted he backs down! Plus, I’d like to understand why don’t we see male reporters asking these tough questions…Thoughts?
The abject cowardice of our reporters in failing to confront Trump is a disgrace. Surely, they have to be aware of the consequences, for this nation and the world, of their failure to ask him tough questions, to demand answers, to deride him for his abusive behavior and to hold him to account?
Thank you so much for publicizing Trump‘s vile, ugly misogyny. I agree, it has to stop. It’s affecting women, particularly young ones and young girls all over the country. American male misogyny is increasing under Trump. I fear for my four year-old granddaughter.
Hear, hear! And I would add that he has especial vitriol for Black female reporters, which was evident even in his first term. (E.g., Yamiche Alcindor when she reported for PBS News Hour.) He's giving permission for all males with misogynistic tendencies to verbally abuse women right out in public. This absolutely must stop. Come on, press corps--defend your own!!
I don't see the reporters, male or female, as being especially "strong". They ask ordinary, obvious, and not particularly probing questions.
His response to normal, not exceptional, questioning is that of a weakling - a spoiled baby, with only a juvenile's arsenal of crazy lies, tantrums and insults. He'll raise his voice and talk over them. I have yet to see a reporter challenge him, and raise their voice louder than his. Call him out. Accurately describe what he's doing in the moment: 'you offer insults, but you did not answer the question. Why not?' And raise their voice - nice and strong, not shrill. With preparedness, there are many possible, potent responses. As surely as the sun rises in the East, we all know his MO. The press should have tactical responses prepared and written down in advance.
Now I have a soft, resonant voice. But I assure you that if I were in the room, I would stop his offensive interruptions in its tracks. My voice would project over his. I'd do it for myself and on behalf of anyone else he attempts to steamroll. Be resolute. Reply with dignity, elegantly if possible - but give him hell, children.
Right on Deborah ! It is so far past just saying "Trump is wrong and should stop". This applies to hundreds of things he's done and said since day one. As you so well suggest, I look forward to the day when reporters , upon receiving another of Trump's abusive verbal outbursts, immediately give it back to him with articulate penetration so warranted for the no-class, ignorant degenerate that is Trump.
I answered somebody else's comment, and now I'm going to try to say something worthwhile for you, Steven.
Thank you for caring so much about this. It matters. And you are right that Trump has to be stopped. Or at least his influence. The thing is that as he loses control of himself, he is also losing the capacity to be seen as a whole human being. Yes, as some other women have pointed out, the behavior of some other males is deteriorating because they still are under the illusion that Trump is a role model they want to be like.
But Trump is not a normal human being, and that is the thing that other men have a responsibility to highlight, name, and call out. Simply putting down an obnoxious male does not change him: the attitude stays and is expressed in other, sometimes more dangerous ways. The videos are one way media has to do that. Women have the right to speak out when they are spoken down to, but we also may put ourselves at risk when we do. So the men around us really do have an obligation to speak up to support us. Men who bully women are just that: bullies. Weak. Confrontation does not have to mirror them. The best confrontation is showing how a mature man behaves and making it clear that is what is expected.
We are all feeling our way on this. Women, we are strong when we stay who we are. When we recognize the men who are our partners in whatever we do, and honor them as they honor us. None of us win when we mirror the bully. Sometimes the only response is silence, so all they hear is their own echo.
I was a woman in a field dominated by men. As a professional woman, sometimes the men I met in my role as a person of authority were more thoughtful toward me than some of the men who were my coworkers. It was not an age thing, either. Both old opinionated farts and young ambitious bulls could be difficult. But one lesson our of that is that I was still the person in charge. It's different when the old opinionated fart is the one in charge. The question is then "how do we undercut his authority (or appearance of it).
The only answer I've got and the only one that works, is to make him doubt it by asking him questions he can't answer. And that's what's starting to go on. As with all such people, Trump feels threatened and so surrounds himself with people who will enable him. The same tactic works on them too. Just always maintain your sense of yourself: this is tetchy territory to enter into, and we all need to maintain our own sense that we are capable of getting through to the other side. Trump's extreme's are proof that he knows he's already lost.
In light of Pam Bondi's latest salvo against democracy, her memo outlining criminalizing dissent or "left wing radical associations, statements, behavior and writings," as domestic terrorists, I fear that all media and reporters--including the MAGA media--who step out of line, will end up with the FBI up in their business, an investigation, possible indictment and prosecution, all for asking the "wrong" questions. Trump's band of merry men and women have got to be stopped. That should be job one when the Dems take over Congress. Impeach, impeach, impeach and where possible, remove. I'd like to think that even the Republican conferences will have the decency or the fear to join with Dems in stemming this tide, tightening the screws and bringing down this autocratic nightmare. We've got to start adding economic boycotts--big time--to our arsenal of protest. Signs and peaceful gatherings feel good but only if we clog the wheels of commerce to as close to a halt as we can, will we see change. Bullies back off when they are confronted. Let's all get out there and be David to his Goliath. Stop buying stuff!
There are 2 kinds of men: the good guys, and the scrotum-toters. If women were to utterly ignore the latter category, they might well shrivel and pass out of existence.
I think that there are a lot of "kinds" of men. I hope this discussion doesn't become another one of those pointless binary either this or that kind of thing. Some men can be obnoxious as hell, but have the capacity for insight when something comes up in their lives that jolts them into awareness (sometimes it's their own loneliness, but sometimes it is seeing someone else's). Some men coast on good manners and never see how their "good manners" shuts people out.
I think I know about as many kinds of men as the number of men I know. Some guys I'd rather not have much to do with. Not going to lump them together in any kind of group. If women were to ignore men they consider "less than", what does that do? They don't disappear, and they don't stop being what they are, They sure as hell don't pass out of existence. If they are that bad, they do things like become Proud Boys, or predators, or dead-beats. As for the "good guys", that's a wide field too, with lots of variations. I am not going to lump them either. I like finding the good parts of a person, male or other, and I also don't have a problem making it clear that I don't have room for deliberately obnoxious people (male, female, or other) in my life. But I've learned that some people can be rough around the edges and still be good people worth knowing. Some of them are men. And some of the obnoxious people are not male..
As a 68 year old woman who grew up when women were gaining their rights, I am not going back. And I am wondering if younger women do not understand the threats to their freedoms. If young women take their rights for granted then we are in trouble. Just like democracy in general. We CANNOT take any freedoms for granted as this want-to-be dictator has shown us. So teach your children, both male and female, misogyny doesn’t just hurt women. It hurts all of us.
As a 74-year-old woman, and a lesbian on top of it, I am with you 100% -- but I'm not confident that privileged classes, in this case XY-chromosome people, i.e., men, will readily give up power on the grounds that we're all better off if they do so.
I couldn’t agree more. The Press needs to step up!
Spot on Steven, correct when he attacks one he attacks all and they should all confront him. Don't just stand there ,discipline the man-baby. I wonder what it would be like if no one went to the press briefings. You all know his response will be nothing but insults and lies; Start questioning other members. You would be better off talking to the pilot on Air Force one.
Absolutely agree! As a woman and an American I don’t understand why the press corps don’t stand up for their own. We know that when he is confronted he backs down! Plus, I’d like to understand why don’t we see male reporters asking these tough questions…Thoughts?
The abject cowardice of our reporters in failing to confront Trump is a disgrace. Surely, they have to be aware of the consequences, for this nation and the world, of their failure to ask him tough questions, to demand answers, to deride him for his abusive behavior and to hold him to account?
Thank you so much for publicizing Trump‘s vile, ugly misogyny. I agree, it has to stop. It’s affecting women, particularly young ones and young girls all over the country. American male misogyny is increasing under Trump. I fear for my four year-old granddaughter.
I fear for your granddaughter, too.
Hear, hear! And I would add that he has especial vitriol for Black female reporters, which was evident even in his first term. (E.g., Yamiche Alcindor when she reported for PBS News Hour.) He's giving permission for all males with misogynistic tendencies to verbally abuse women right out in public. This absolutely must stop. Come on, press corps--defend your own!!
“I can't believe what you say, because I see what you do.” - James Baldwin
I don't see the reporters, male or female, as being especially "strong". They ask ordinary, obvious, and not particularly probing questions.
His response to normal, not exceptional, questioning is that of a weakling - a spoiled baby, with only a juvenile's arsenal of crazy lies, tantrums and insults. He'll raise his voice and talk over them. I have yet to see a reporter challenge him, and raise their voice louder than his. Call him out. Accurately describe what he's doing in the moment: 'you offer insults, but you did not answer the question. Why not?' And raise their voice - nice and strong, not shrill. With preparedness, there are many possible, potent responses. As surely as the sun rises in the East, we all know his MO. The press should have tactical responses prepared and written down in advance.
Now I have a soft, resonant voice. But I assure you that if I were in the room, I would stop his offensive interruptions in its tracks. My voice would project over his. I'd do it for myself and on behalf of anyone else he attempts to steamroll. Be resolute. Reply with dignity, elegantly if possible - but give him hell, children.
Right on Deborah ! It is so far past just saying "Trump is wrong and should stop". This applies to hundreds of things he's done and said since day one. As you so well suggest, I look forward to the day when reporters , upon receiving another of Trump's abusive verbal outbursts, immediately give it back to him with articulate penetration so warranted for the no-class, ignorant degenerate that is Trump.
Ah! Paul is one of the few who's in my corner. Thank you!!
It only takes one to say enough is enough for it to stop! But who will be the first?
I answered somebody else's comment, and now I'm going to try to say something worthwhile for you, Steven.
Thank you for caring so much about this. It matters. And you are right that Trump has to be stopped. Or at least his influence. The thing is that as he loses control of himself, he is also losing the capacity to be seen as a whole human being. Yes, as some other women have pointed out, the behavior of some other males is deteriorating because they still are under the illusion that Trump is a role model they want to be like.
But Trump is not a normal human being, and that is the thing that other men have a responsibility to highlight, name, and call out. Simply putting down an obnoxious male does not change him: the attitude stays and is expressed in other, sometimes more dangerous ways. The videos are one way media has to do that. Women have the right to speak out when they are spoken down to, but we also may put ourselves at risk when we do. So the men around us really do have an obligation to speak up to support us. Men who bully women are just that: bullies. Weak. Confrontation does not have to mirror them. The best confrontation is showing how a mature man behaves and making it clear that is what is expected.
We are all feeling our way on this. Women, we are strong when we stay who we are. When we recognize the men who are our partners in whatever we do, and honor them as they honor us. None of us win when we mirror the bully. Sometimes the only response is silence, so all they hear is their own echo.
I was a woman in a field dominated by men. As a professional woman, sometimes the men I met in my role as a person of authority were more thoughtful toward me than some of the men who were my coworkers. It was not an age thing, either. Both old opinionated farts and young ambitious bulls could be difficult. But one lesson our of that is that I was still the person in charge. It's different when the old opinionated fart is the one in charge. The question is then "how do we undercut his authority (or appearance of it).
The only answer I've got and the only one that works, is to make him doubt it by asking him questions he can't answer. And that's what's starting to go on. As with all such people, Trump feels threatened and so surrounds himself with people who will enable him. The same tactic works on them too. Just always maintain your sense of yourself: this is tetchy territory to enter into, and we all need to maintain our own sense that we are capable of getting through to the other side. Trump's extreme's are proof that he knows he's already lost.
In light of Pam Bondi's latest salvo against democracy, her memo outlining criminalizing dissent or "left wing radical associations, statements, behavior and writings," as domestic terrorists, I fear that all media and reporters--including the MAGA media--who step out of line, will end up with the FBI up in their business, an investigation, possible indictment and prosecution, all for asking the "wrong" questions. Trump's band of merry men and women have got to be stopped. That should be job one when the Dems take over Congress. Impeach, impeach, impeach and where possible, remove. I'd like to think that even the Republican conferences will have the decency or the fear to join with Dems in stemming this tide, tightening the screws and bringing down this autocratic nightmare. We've got to start adding economic boycotts--big time--to our arsenal of protest. Signs and peaceful gatherings feel good but only if we clog the wheels of commerce to as close to a halt as we can, will we see change. Bullies back off when they are confronted. Let's all get out there and be David to his Goliath. Stop buying stuff!
There are 2 kinds of men: the good guys, and the scrotum-toters. If women were to utterly ignore the latter category, they might well shrivel and pass out of existence.
I think that there are a lot of "kinds" of men. I hope this discussion doesn't become another one of those pointless binary either this or that kind of thing. Some men can be obnoxious as hell, but have the capacity for insight when something comes up in their lives that jolts them into awareness (sometimes it's their own loneliness, but sometimes it is seeing someone else's). Some men coast on good manners and never see how their "good manners" shuts people out.
I think I know about as many kinds of men as the number of men I know. Some guys I'd rather not have much to do with. Not going to lump them together in any kind of group. If women were to ignore men they consider "less than", what does that do? They don't disappear, and they don't stop being what they are, They sure as hell don't pass out of existence. If they are that bad, they do things like become Proud Boys, or predators, or dead-beats. As for the "good guys", that's a wide field too, with lots of variations. I am not going to lump them either. I like finding the good parts of a person, male or other, and I also don't have a problem making it clear that I don't have room for deliberately obnoxious people (male, female, or other) in my life. But I've learned that some people can be rough around the edges and still be good people worth knowing. Some of them are men. And some of the obnoxious people are not male..