by Susan Reynolds
It’s always an eye-rolling, deep-sighing moment when I realize (again) just how alive and kicking sexism is in America. I get frustrated with myself for not remembering that sexism still exists and for naively thinking that it’s 2014. Shouldn’t sexism be a part of our past?
Unfortunately, it’s not and that was evident on The Five on Fox News.
Major Mariam al Mansouri, a female fighter pilot from United Arab Emirates, flew missions against ISIS. There are countries in the Middle East where women do not have the right to drive. This female fighter pilot is a big deal. Sadly, her accomplishments were overshadowed by Greg Gutfeld and Eric Bolling; who I feel might be two of the most ridiculous men on television.
“After she bombed it, she couldn’t park it,” Gutfeld said. He was referring to her inability to park her jet. Yes, that’s the thing to insult and stereotype; her driving ability. Major al Mansouri just bombed ISIS, shouldn’t that be the focus? Not with Gutfeld.
As if that comment about her driving ability wasn’t bad enough, his buddy Bolling took sexism to the next level.
“Would that be considered boobs on the ground?”
Really? Really Eric Bolling? That’s your follow-up? Boobs on the ground!
I have been disgusted since seeing the clip all over my social media. What I don’t get is how these two men could make comments like that. Don’t they understand what ISIS is doing to women?
A female Iraqi human rights activist was publicly executed for allegedly posting messages to Facebook. Samira Salih al-Nuaimi was captured earlier in September for her supposed posts that shamed ISIS for the destruction of religious sites in Iraq. That’s just one instance of what women are enduring with ISIS.
At first I wanted an explanation for Gutfeld’s and Bolling’s sexist comments. There isn’t going to be a real explanation. These men are jerks and they are hoping for ratings. It’s just that simple.
I can’t believe that it’s 2014 and this is how women are viewed in our country, in our world. We don’t have equal pay for equal work. We face questions about balancing motherhood and careers from morning talk show hosts. Women are trafficked, victimized, called sluts for wanting birth control and the worst offense is that we are divisive with each other.
I do not think of myself as a Gloria Steinem, bra-burning feminist. I am a woman that openly admits that the love from my husband and son have influenced me greatly. Yet here I am writing a column about sexism. Maybe I am a bra-burning feminist or maybe I’m just a mom that doesn’t want her son to see how some men treat women. I don’t want my son to think that it’s OK to treat people badly based on their gender. It’s not OK.
Related: Are You Sure It’s 2014, not 1896? Arizona’s Latest Bill Brings Separate But Equal Back Into Play
Gutfeld and Bolling should be fired. Matt Lauer should also be fired as well as Rush Limbaugh. I am quite certain that if I had made sexiest comments about men, called into question a man’s ability to work and parent, or said a male was a slut for using a condom, I would have been fired.
I think that’s what bothers me the most. These double standards are allowed and they shouldn’t be. This isn’t about political correctness; it’s about treating people with respect.
I am not a bitch when I assert myself; I am a leader.
It’s not always my “time of the month” when I am in a bad mood.
I’m not a bad driver.
I’m not weak.
I’m not inferior and I don’t need to be spoken down too.
I am a woman and deserve to be treated with respect.
Susan Reynolds (@motheradvocate) is an AF spouse currently living in Fort Bragg, NC. She loves to read, would never leave college because it’s fun, carries two copies of the US Constitution, and sings frequently (despite her horrid voice). Susan’s greatest passion is advocating for pediatric healthcare reform for military children. She writes about her advocacy at Bad Mother Advocate. Susan has also been called a Master Hugger, since hugs are the most fun!
