Letterman Battle Over — But War on Sexism and Misogyny Continues

by Ron Devito on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 05:15 EDT

Comedian David Letterman apologized to the Palin family for crude jokes he made about one of their daughters on June 15, 2009 during the broadcast of his show (Apology, 2009, ¶2). Letterman insists that the jokes in question were directed at the eldest daughter Bristol, 18, not Willow, 14 who was present with Governor Palin at a Yankee game on Sunday, June 7, 2009, and said he did not know Willow was there (Apology, 2009, ¶5). “But the joke really, in and of itself, can’t be defended,” he said (Apology, 2009, ¶4).

About the apology, Governor Palin said, “Of course it’s accepted on behalf of young women, like my daughters, who hope men who ‘joke’ about public displays of sexual exploitation of girls will soon evolve,” she said.(Apology, 2009, ¶9).

“Letterman certainly has the right to ‘joke’ about whatever he wants to, and thankfully we have the right to express our reaction,” Palin said. “This is all thanks to our U.S. Military women and men putting their lives on the line for us to secure America’s Right to Free Speech – in this case, may that right be used to promote equality and respect” (Apology, 2009, ¶10).

Commentary

This apology and its acceptance quite likely closes the book on this particular incident. Kudos to Governor Palin and her supporters for bringing the pressure to bear to make this apology happen. When wingmen and women fly a tight formation, we achieve the objective and protect one another.

But, we cannot rest on our laurels. YouTube for instance is still rife with sexually oriented hate videos directed at Governor Palin and her family. To a one these videos have sexist and misogynist elements. Obama’s supporters in particular have absolutely no problem with using sexism and misogyny to advance their agenda. They have done it before and they will do it again.

The Letterman battle may be over, but this war is far from over.

References

Letterman apologizes to Palin for ‘Bad Joke.’ (2009, June 15). Fox News. Retrieved June 16, 2009 from: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,526525,00.html

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Tagged as: bristol palin, david letterman, joke, misogyny, sexism, willow palin

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  • Born&Read

    Will the battle against sexism and misogyny from Palin, her camp, her supporters, and perhaps the entire Republican party extend beyond sexist and misogynistic attacks against her to include all women? Will it include support for Title IX, the ERA? Ceasing attacks against liberal 'feminazis' who have been decrying such speech for years?

  • Born&Read

    Will the battle against sexism and misogyny from Palin, her camp, her supporters, and perhaps the entire Republican party extend beyond sexist and misogynistic attacks against her to include all women? Will it include support for Title IX, the ERA? Ceasing attacks against liberal 'feminazis' who have been decrying such speech for years?

  • Born&Read

    Will the battle against sexism and misogyny from Palin, her camp, her supporters, and perhaps the entire Republican party extend beyond sexist and misogynistic attacks against her to include all women? Will it include support for Title IX, the ERA? Ceasing attacks against liberal 'feminazis' who have been decrying such speech for years?

  • aser

    Let's hope this is the end of the David Letterman – Sarah Palin feud. While last week Letterman apologized, it was in a snarky sort of way, and wasn't accepted by Palin…Exclusive Video here:david letterman sarah palin joke

  • Ron Devito

    Born & Read,I published your comment, because it is a good point. Our side — conservatives — have not exactly been good in the regard you describe. Sarah Palin is changing that. And that's a good thing. Many people don't realize this, but some of her positions actually run center-left. And she has a lot more center-left support than most people are willing to acknowledge.Though I consider myself conservative, I think the whole family values plank should be dumped. I like Governor Palin's approach — you choose the relationships that are right for you. She always preaches TOLERANCE. It's one reason I am so hard-core about supporting her.

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