Schwarzenegger calls dems "girlie men" - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

yatzr · 07-19-2004, 06:18 PM

Quote:

SACRAMENTO - Democrats aren’t amused by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s use of the mocking term “girlie men” to describe some lawmakers, although a spokesman for the governor said no apology would be forthcoming.

Schwarzenegger dished out the insult at a rally Saturday as he claimed Democrats were delaying the budget by catering to special interests. Democrats protested that the remark was sexist and homophobic.

“If they don’t have the guts to come up here in front of you and say, ’I don’t want to represent you, I want to represent those special interests, the unions, the trial lawyers ... if they don’t have the guts, I call them girlie men,” Schwarzenegger said to the cheering crowd at a mall food court in Ontario.

The governor lifted the term from a long-running “Saturday Night Live” skit in which two pompous, Schwarzenegger-worshipping weightlifters repeatedly use it to mock those who don’t meet their standards of physical perfection.

Democrats said Schwarzenegger’s remarks were insulting to women and gays and distracted from budget negotiations. State Sen. Sheila Kuehl said the governor had resorted to “blatant homophobia.”

It uses an image that is associated with gay men in an insulting way, and it was supposed to be an insult. That’s very troubling that he would use such a homophobic way of trying to put down legislative leadership,” said Kuehl, one of five members of the Legislature’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Caucus.

Making a point?
Schwarzenegger’s criticism of Democrats stems in part from their support of one bill prohibiting schools from contracting services with private companies, and another giving workers authority to sue their employers to enforce labor laws. Each side accuses the other of caving in to special interests.

At a rally Sunday in Stockton, the governor gave a speech almost identical to the one he delivered in Ontario but without the “girlie men” remark. Spokesman Rob Stutzman said the line was dropped because Schwarzenegger had already sent the message he wanted to send, not because he regretted his remarks.

“It’s a forceful way of making the point to regular Californians that legislators are wimps when they let special interests push them around,” Stutzman said. “If they complain too much about this, I guess they’re making the governor’s point.”

Assemblyman Mark Leno, a San Francisco Democrat who is chairman of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Caucus, said he was glad Schwarzenegger didn’t repeat the “girlie men” remark Sunday, saying it was “as misogynist as it is anti-gay.”

“To disparage a group of law abiding tax paying citizens is just wrong,” Leno said.

Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, a Democrat, said that while he wasn’t upset by the remark, his 13-year-old daughter was.

“She’s a young girl who knows the governor and really likes him a lot and didn’t find the term to be a positive term, and finds it to be derogatory,” Nunez said. “It was no question a very, very insensitive comment to make. I personally am not intimidated or threatened by it, but I think it really is beneath Gov. Schwarzenegger.”

I wasn't sure to put this here or in humor, cause i can't help but laugh imagining him saying "girlie men". I don't really see what the big deal is about it though. I never really associated the term "girlie men" with gay men. Especially not if it sounds exactly like the SNL skit (which the article mentioned). I also don't see how the remark is "anit-gay" (unless gay men consider the term "girle men" to refer to themselves and saw it as a derogatory use, I can kind of see it then). I think it just seems like everything he says gets blown out of proportion these days.

I thought the poll on the page was interesting too. A full 76% of 224,000 responses said he shouldn't apologize. I thought that was a pretty big percentage for any poll really.

Just wait until reelection year when we'll get to hear "I'll be back" 50 million times.

edit: I realize that it was an insult and I probably shouldn't laugh, but considering who was delivering it and the manner in which they delivered it, I'm sorry but I think it's funny.

seretogis · 07-19-2004, 07:30 PM

It's not anti-gay at all, some people are just overly sensitive. This kind of drivel doesn't even deserve to be printed / aired.

pan6467 · 07-19-2004, 08:13 PM

I see it's ok for Schwarzenegger, an elected representative of the people, to call Dems. "girlie-men" when they won't do what he wants, where he wants in full view of press and public.

And GOP just laugh thinking it's funny, (I wish I had seen a tape of it, I think it is funny.)

But not ok for Whoopie, a woman who makes money being a comedienne, to say what she said about Dubya in a fundraiser.

Amazing. I can't understand how one side can get away with anything they want, yet cry foul when the other side tries to do something similar.

Journeyman · 07-19-2004, 08:14 PM

This guy is a known and admitted groper of women who A) Aren't his wife and B) Don't want none, and now he's calling people who don't want to vote for his legislation "Girlie-men," and the sticking point is: He's the governor of California. Yes, this drivel is testament to the character that the man has, and people do deserve to know it.

brianna · 07-19-2004, 08:47 PM

honestly i am shocked that more women are not offended by this insult and others like it. the implication is the women are less able to make intelligent decisions and i am saddened that our society seems ready to accept such backwards opinions as fact.

djtestudo · 07-19-2004, 08:58 PM

Personally, I am offended that so many people are getting offended over nothing here. He made a joke taken from a SNL sketch that was originally making fun of him, using it as a way to help make a point for a group of supporters.

People read WAY too much into things sometimes.

Rodney · 07-19-2004, 09:16 PM

Well, he's been making this joke for a long time. I recall a film clip of him campaigning with George Bush Sr. back in '90, where he said something like "Vote Republican, the Demos are girlie men." I don't draw any conclusions from it, except that Arnold's a little full of himself. But we knew that, or at least I did.

billege · 07-19-2004, 09:59 PM

It's funny, many people bitch that when politicians open their mouths all we get are sanitized-talking-in-circles pre-screened/focus-grouped/professionally written speaches.

When a politician says something REAL it's a race to see who can be offended the most, first.

Grow up America, cut the bullshit and move on.

SecretMethod70 · 07-19-2004, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by billege
It's funny, many people bitch that when politicians open their mouths all we get are sanitized-talking-in-circles pre-screened/focus-grouped/professionally written speaches.

When a politician says something REAL it's a race to see who can be offended the most, first.

Grow up America, cut the bullshit and move on.

Couldn't have said it better myself. This PC crap is getting out of hand.

brianna · 07-19-2004, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by billege
It's funny, many people bitch that when politicians open their mouths all we get are sanitized-talking-in-circles pre-screened/focus-grouped/professionally written speaches.

When a politician says something REAL it's a race to see who can be offended the most, first.

Grow up America, cut the bullshit and move on.

how is this childless comment more "real" than any other political nonsense? I learn nothing from his derogatory remarks except that he is a somewhat classless individual with no real qualifications to be holding public office. I think we should hold our leaders to a higher standard. I find it amazing that people complain when politicians discuss the subtly and nuance of complex policy issues and cheer when they resort to immature name calling.

wilbjammin · 07-19-2004, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by billege
When a politician says something REAL it's a race to see who can be offended the most, first.

So "girlie men" is real. I think what is real in politics are the issues and clearly defining what is at stake... sexist rhetoric doesn't strike me as real but a very poor taste attempt at being funny.

Seeing how so many people view this as inconsequential shows how pervasive sexist language is in our society. It also shows the lack of respect given towards those of different political views.

seretogis · 07-19-2004, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by billege
Grow up America

This comment is clearly geared towards hurting the precious feelings of Americans under the age of 25. As their spokesman, I am unbelievably offended and hereby demand that you immediately retract that statement or I will go to every major newspaper and oust you as an ageist.

Joking aside, I agree that the Americans (and the American media specifically) need to get a clue. Whoopi Goldberg can make whatever low-brow sexual references she wants, and people need to learn to recognize and take a joke when one is made. Sensationalizing this garbage is not news, it is blatantly fishing for ratings by creating drama from nothing.

Journeyman · 07-19-2004, 10:17 PM

The unscripted nature of what he said simply shows truer bits of himself than what a speechwriter would choose to put out. Considering the content, I don't see how this is a good thing. But then again, I'm not fond of republican legislation packages in general.

DelayedReaction · 07-19-2004, 10:25 PM

Jesus people, grow a fucking skin already. You would think people would have learned to deal with this kind of crap in elementary school.

seretogis · 07-19-2004, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DelayedReaction
Jesus people, grow a fucking skin already. You would think people would have learned to deal with this kind of crap in elementary school.

Your invocation of a Christian figurehead could offend Muslims and Atheists. Please try to be more considerate.

onetime2 · 07-20-2004, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by pan6467
I see it's ok for Schwarzenegger, an elected representative of the people, to call Dems. "girlie-men" when they won't do what he wants, where he wants in full view of press and public.

And GOP just laugh thinking it's funny, (I wish I had seen a tape of it, I think it is funny.)

But not ok for Whoopie, a woman who makes money being a comedienne, to say what she said about Dubya in a fundraiser.

Amazing. I can't understand how one side can get away with anything they want, yet cry foul when the other side tries to do something similar.

"girlie men" in the context of the SNL skit is hardly insulting. Now, had he said they were "girlie men whose dicks were the size of his pinky and should be dragged from office" that would be a bit more akin to Whoopi's remarks.

reconmike · 07-20-2004, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DelayedReaction
Jesus people, grow a fucking skin already. You would think people would have learned to deal with this kind of crap in elementary school.

First of all children can not learn to deal with it in school because the slackers are are offended by the honor roll students getting praise for their hard work.

Let the people of California deal with Arnold and if they took offense to this. Just like the people dealt with Slim-fast and Whoopie.

And seretogis thanks for PC policing this thread

nanofever · 07-20-2004, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by seretogis
Your invocation of a Christian figurehead could offend Muslims and Atheists. Please try to be more considerate.

Clearly, he insulted burn victims who are unable to infact grow or re-grow skin on their burn areas. Your denial of the rights of burn victims is a travesty, and you should try to be more considerate.

Faggot.

OFKU0 · 07-20-2004, 08:01 AM

Now you see, if Martha Stewart said the judge in her trial can go fuck off, if Neil Armstrong said the U.S never landed on the moon or the Olsen twins were in detox for being crackheads, this wouldn't have made the news. At least that's how newsworthy this story is too me.

edwhit · 07-20-2004, 08:06 AM

I hate most PC crap!

Wish people who crave the PC would take a step back and use a little common sense.

Hanxter · 07-20-2004, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by nanofever
Clearly, he insulted burn victims who are unable to infact grow or re-grow skin on their burn areas. Your denial of the rights of burn victims is a travesty, and you should try to be more considerate.

Faggot.

i hope there was some hint of sarcasm there...

Stompy · 07-20-2004, 08:18 AM

I think it's funny that the only way people can lash back is by accusing someone else of something.. for example, instead of addressing the fact that the Dems may be holding special interests before the people, they quickly call Arnold homophobic.

Please...

Ah well, I guess that's the closed-minded world of politics for ya

Quote:

Originally posted by DelayedReaction
Jesus people, grow a fucking skin already. You would think people would have learned to deal with this kind of crap in elementary school.

Amen. People are too f'n whiney. Arnold should make a public speech saying nothing more than "Cry me a river. Get over it."

If anything, it shows me that he has a sense of humor and isn't an uptight prick like most other public officials.

Being PC is gay.

nanofever · 07-20-2004, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hanxter
i hope there was some hint of sarcasm there...

I would have said irony, but sarcasm is also an apt description.

cthulu23 · 07-20-2004, 08:39 AM

As a system/network administrator, I find all of these anti-PC statements offensive. You would think that persons posting to internet message boards would be more Personal Computer friendly.

edwhit · 07-20-2004, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cthulu23
As a system/network administrator, I find all of these anti-PC statements offensive. You would think that persons posting to internet message boards would be more Personal Computer friendly.

lol at cthulu23

analog · 07-20-2004, 09:18 AM

Yeah... that degraded quickly. Oh well.

07-19-2004, 07:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
seretogis Huggles, sir? Location: Seattle	It's not anti-gay at all, some people are just overly sensitive. This kind of drivel doesn't even deserve to be printed / aired. __________________ seretogis - sieg heil perfect little dream the kind that hurts the most, forgot how it feels well almost no one to blame always the same, open my eyes wake up in flames

07-19-2004, 08:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
pan6467 Lennonite Priest Location: Mansfield, Ohio USA	I see it's ok for Schwarzenegger, an elected representative of the people, to call Dems. "girlie-men" when they won't do what he wants, where he wants in full view of press and public. And GOP just laugh thinking it's funny, (I wish I had seen a tape of it, I think it is funny.) But not ok for Whoopie, a woman who makes money being a comedienne, to say what she said about Dubya in a fundraiser. Amazing. I can't understand how one side can get away with anything they want, yet cry foul when the other side tries to do something similar. __________________ I just love people who use the excuse "I use/do this because I LOVE the feeling/joy/happiness it brings me" and expect you to be ok with that as you watch them destroy their life blindly following. My response is, "I like to put forks in an eletrical socket, just LOVE that feeling, can't ever get enough of it, so will you let me put this copper fork in that electric socket?"

07-19-2004, 08:58 PM	#6 (permalink)
djtestudo Baltimoron Location: Beeeeeautiful Bel Air, MD	Personally, I am offended that so many people are getting offended over nothing here. He made a joke taken from a SNL sketch that was originally making fun of him, using it as a way to help make a point for a group of supporters. People read WAY too much into things sometimes. __________________ "Final thought: I just rented Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. Frankly, it was the worst sports movie I've ever seen." --Peter Schmuck, The (Baltimore) Sun

07-19-2004, 09:59 PM	#8 (permalink)
billege Watcher Location: Ohio	It's funny, many people bitch that when politicians open their mouths all we get are sanitized-talking-in-circles pre-screened/focus-grouped/professionally written speaches. When a politician says something REAL it's a race to see who can be offended the most, first. Grow up America, cut the bullshit and move on. __________________ I can sum up the clash of religion in one sentence: "My Invisible Friend is better than your Invisible Friend."

07-19-2004, 10:25 PM	#14 (permalink)
DelayedReaction BFG Builder Location: University of Maryland	Jesus people, grow a fucking skin already. You would think people would have learned to deal with this kind of crap in elementary school. __________________ If ignorance is bliss, you must be having an orgasm.

07-19-2004, 08:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
Journeyman Like John Goodman, but not. Location: SFBA, California	This guy is a known and admitted groper of women who A) Aren't his wife and B) Don't want none, and now he's calling people who don't want to vote for his legislation "Girlie-men," and the sticking point is: He's the governor of California. Yes, this drivel is testament to the character that the man has, and people do deserve to know it.

07-19-2004, 08:47 PM	#5 (permalink)
brianna Addict Location: nyc	honestly i am shocked that more women are not offended by this insult and others like it. the implication is the women are less able to make intelligent decisions and i am saddened that our society seems ready to accept such backwards opinions as fact.

07-19-2004, 09:16 PM	#7 (permalink)
Rodney Observant Ruminant Location: Rich Wannabe Hippie Town	Well, he's been making this joke for a long time. I recall a film clip of him campaigning with George Bush Sr. back in '90, where he said something like "Vote Republican, the Demos are girlie men." I don't draw any conclusions from it, except that Arnold's a little full of himself. But we knew that, or at least I did.

07-19-2004, 10:17 PM	#13 (permalink)
Journeyman Like John Goodman, but not. Location: SFBA, California	The unscripted nature of what he said simply shows truer bits of himself than what a speechwriter would choose to put out. Considering the content, I don't see how this is a good thing. But then again, I'm not fond of republican legislation packages in general.

07-20-2004, 08:01 AM	#19 (permalink)
OFKU0 Junk	Now you see, if Martha Stewart said the judge in her trial can go fuck off, if Neil Armstrong said the U.S never landed on the moon or the Olsen twins were in detox for being crackheads, this wouldn't have made the news. At least that's how newsworthy this story is too me. __________________ " In Canada, you can tell the most blatant lie in a calm voice, and people will believe you over someone who's a little passionate about the truth." David Warren, Western Standard.

07-20-2004, 08:06 AM	#20 (permalink)
edwhit Tilted	I hate most PC crap! Wish people who crave the PC would take a step back and use a little common sense.

07-20-2004, 08:39 AM	#24 (permalink)
cthulu23 Banned	As a system/network administrator, I find all of these anti-PC statements offensive. You would think that persons posting to internet message boards would be more Personal Computer friendly.

07-20-2004, 09:18 AM	#26 (permalink)
analog Banned	Yeah... that degraded quickly. Oh well.