Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering Video

[RDS]

Unbecoming of a Prime Minister to go to that extent.

It might be one of the most scathing takedowns in parliamentary history. Earlier this week, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard stood up in the House of Representatives to attack opposition leader Tony Abbott for misogyny and sexism in a video that has since gone viral.

Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/10/10...nst-sexism-in-blistering-video/#ixzz28xPNEZ9f

 

[Andalublue]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

Unbecoming of a Prime Minister to go to that extent.

People were talking about this on BBC radio, so I watched the whole speech. I thought it was one of the most devastating, heartfelt, genuine and effective speeches I've seen a politican deliver for a long time. You could see she really meant what she said and she was really pissed off. I didn't like her much before this, but wow! Impressive. The Leader of the Opposition, Abbott looked shell-shocked.

 

[DiAnna]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

Unbecoming of a Prime Minister to go to that extent.

Why?

. .

 

[RDS]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

Why?

. .

She ought to stop the cowardice acts. She knows very well she is protected by parliamentary immunity.

 

[spud_meister]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

She ought to stop the cowardice acts. She knows very well she is protected by parliamentary immunity.

The whole point of parliamentary privileged (not immunity, it's a slightly different concept) is for this to happen, so that MP's can be taken to task for their actions, without the person doing so having to fear legal reprisal. If Abbott disagrees with anything she said, he's free to give a diatribe of his own.

 

[Andalublue]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

She ought to stop the cowardice acts. She knows very well she is protected by parliamentary immunity.

Immunity from what? She said nothing in that speech that would get her prosecuted outside of the chamber.

 

[DiAnna]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

She ought to stop the cowardice acts. She knows very well she is protected by parliamentary immunity.

So, you're okay with Australian parliment members referring to the female prime minister as a "witch" and a "bitch", and approve of all the other instances of sexist and misogynistic behavior to which she referred... but you're not okay with her taking exception to those insults and that behavior...

...again, why?

 

[SmokeAndMirrors]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

This is excellent.

She's angry, yes, but she is substantive in her claims, and she should be angry.

She's done a service here, speaking out for those who feel or are less able to do so. I wish American female politicians felt similarly empowered.

 

[RDS]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

So, you're okay with Australian parliment members referring to the female prime minister as a "witch" and a "bitch", and approve of all the other instances of sexist and misogynistic behavior to which she referred... but you're not okay with her taking exception to those insults and that behavior...

...again, why?

This is excellent.

She's angry, yes, but she is substantive in her claims, and she should be angry.

She's done a service here, speaking out for those who feel or are less able to do so. I wish American female politicians felt similarly empowered.

As Prime Minister she should dismiss her critics politely and gracefully. Period.

 

[Red_Dave]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

Abbots comments were absurd. I've never known any women to have trouble issuing demands.

 

[DiAnna]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

As Prime Minister she should dismiss her critics politely and gracefully. Period.

Have male Prime Ministers historically dismissed their critics politely and gracefully?

 

[SmokeAndMirrors]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

As Prime Minister she should dismiss her critics politely and gracefully. Period.

She was perfectly professional. She was articulate, clear, factual. Is there something wrong with her being passionate? Is there something wrong with her being offended by being treated that way?

I wonder if you'd say the PM should be more "graceful" if she were a man.

 

[Andalublue]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

I wonder if you'd say the PM should be more "graceful" if she were a man.

I suspect not. Australia's still a moderately macho country, or at least that's how I found it, and there's an expression, "Aussie Battler" that describes a quality of dogged, even combative, resilience that seems to be much appreciated amongst men, especially in the sports arena, but seemingly less so when shown by women in the social or political milieu. I saw an interview once with Germaine Greer discussing this very phenomenon.

I wonder if that's what RDS is expressing. Of course, I don't know whether RDS is an Aussie, but I suspect he is. Calling for a PM to deal 'gracefully' with the opposition is not something I've ever seen male PMs called upon to do.

 

[SmokeAndMirrors]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

I suspect not. Australia's still a moderately macho country, or at least that's how I found it, and there's an expression, "Aussie Battler" that describes a quality of dogged, even combative, resilience that seems to be much appreciated amongst men, especially in the sports arena, but seemingly less so when shown by women in the social or political milieu. I saw an interview once with Germaine Greer discussing this very phenomenon.

I wonder if that's what RDS is expressing. Of course, I don't know whether RDS is an Aussie, but I suspect he is. Calling for a PM to deal 'gracefully' with the opposition is not something I've ever seen male PMs called upon to do.

Yeah, that was my experience a couple years ago too. Frankly, Gillard reacted with a lot composure that I would have. I can't imagine being a woman in her position and still being treated like an object by a contingent within the government.

 

[Benjamin]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

Have male Prime Ministers historically dismissed their critics politely and gracefully?

As a general rule, yes they have.

Female leadership is still new to Australian politics. It is something we are still adjusting to. Former Australian PM's have included: Kevin Rudd, John Howard, Paul Keating and Bob Hawke, proceeded by others... According to my recollection, each of these leaders were the subject of political and personal attack. Yet they all exuded a certain degree of restraint under such circumstances. They sometimes did level accusations against their opposition, however, such accusations were delivered with a certain degree of sophistication, wit and good humour. Mr Keating was particularly good at put downs. By comparison Ms Gillard's speech was amateurish.

The entire tone of debate within the Federal Government was, frankly, embarrassing. I understand that the speech achieved a following outside Australia. However, such following are not familiar with the context. They are unaware of the poor standing of this Government, or its PM, in the eye of the Australian public. More than anything else, this speech makes me feel embarrassed and ashamed. That the leader of this country would address a more junior MP in such a tone... Surely, if the sexes of the two leaders had been reversed, and the term "Misandrist harpy" used, the speech would have received an entirely different response.

One must understand that Australian political debate is often lively and charged. However, the recent fallout from Ms Gillard’s speech has placed her, as a woman, beyond reasonable reproach. We refer to this as, “playing the gender card", which offends our sense of equal opportunity. We Australians are happy to have a woman in the top job, but she must take everything that goes with it. Effectively, Mr Abbott is in a position where any criticism of the PM is viewed as offensive. Our opposition leader cannot do his job. The PM has undermined our entire political process. Placing herself beyond accountability.

 

[monkeyloveafight]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

As a general rule, yes they have.

Female leadership is still new to Australian politics. It is something we are still adjusting to. Former Australian PM's have included: Kevin Rudd, John Howard, Paul Keating and Bob Hawke, proceeded by others... According to my recollection, each of these leaders were the subject of political and personal attack. Yet they all exuded a certain degree of restraint under such circumstances. They sometimes did level accusations against their opposition, however, such accusations were delivered with a certain degree of sophistication, wit and good humour. Mr Keating was particularly good at put downs. By comparison Ms Gillard's speech was amateurish.

The entire tone of debate within the Federal Government was, frankly, embarrassing. I understand that the speech achieved a following outside Australia. However, such following are not familiar with the context. They are unaware of the poor standing of this Government, or its PM, in the eye of the Australian public. More than anything else, this speech makes me feel embarrassed and ashamed. That the leader of this country would address a more junior MP in such a tone... Surely, if the sexes of the two leaders had been reversed, and the term "Misandrist harpy" used, the speech would have received an entirely different response.

One must understand that Australian political debate is often lively and charged. However, the recent fallout from Ms Gillard’s speech has placed her, as a woman, beyond reasonable reproach. We refer to this as, “playing the gender card", which offends our sense of equal opportunity. We Australians are happy to have a woman in the top job, but she must take everything that goes with it. Effectively, Mr Abbott is in a position where any criticism of the PM is viewed as offensive. Our opposition leader cannot do his job. The PM has undermined our entire political process. Placing herself beyond accountability.

What a load of nonsense.

Abbott deserved everything he got, and the personal popularity levels of both leaders show that most Australians agreed with her.


A bloke who has been charged with indecent assault, had witnesses to him punching the wall next to a woman's head and thinks a woman.s virginity is a "gift" deserves to be called a misogynist - and most Australians agree.

 

[Benjamin]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

What a load of nonsense.

Abbott deserved everything he got, and the personal popularity levels of both leaders show that most Australians agreed with her.

No they don't. It shows that Ms Gillard is a savy politician who knows how to manipulate the views of the electorate, particularly those of women, for her own objectives. There was a 'watershed' of reaction and surge in Ms Gillards popularity. However, this was characterised by many of the female commentators. Who discribed the PM as, "standing up for all women", and, "declaring misongyinists for what they are". There is, I think, an emotional empathy within the female voter. Which is very clever manourvering by the PM. She understands that women are able to emotionally project themselves onto others. That through the victories of others they feel validated. For each woman in that moment, the attack on Mr Abbott was an attack on the men in the personal circumstance of that woman.

This strategy, however, is the politics of division. There was no true and earnest inditement against Mr Abbott. The accusations against him are untested, because he was not granted a reasonable reply. Futhermore, Mr Abbott's challenge to the PM in the, "defense of the indefensable", with regards to Mr Slipper has gone entierly unanswered. Ms Gillard is showing contempt for the political process. By not answering a question directed to her, by the Leader of the Opposition, during question time.

Ms Gillard has in effect made Mr Abbott the 'strawman' of everything that is patriachal and chauvenistic. Then proceeding to assasinate the character of Mr Abbott for things that are implied, and things that he has not said or done. Ms Gillard's speech was filled with loosely connected insinuation and was deeply emotional. Because it connected a concrete objection with male chauvenisim, with a dubious critisim of Mr Abbott. Without offering Mr Abbott the opportunity to explain, defend or make his views known. Indeed, how could he? His defense would be percieved as invalidation of the feelings of many women.

The real tragedy is that Ms Gillard has used the genuine grievances of women, to reinforce her own tenuious position. As a leader in a position of priviledge. It was said she was, "standing up for all women", yet the only woman she representing is herself. She is the one stripping the baby-bonus, and child care. She is the one making it difficult for families and women. The only. Woman. Ms Gillard. Represents. Is. Herself... The sooner you understand that. The better.

 

[Benjamin]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

A bloke who has been charged with indecent assault, had witnesses to him punching the wall next to a woman's head and thinks a woman.s virginity is a "gift" deserves to be called a misogynist - and most Australians agree.

I'm pretty sure that Mr Abbott was never charged with indecent assault. That he denied the wall punching incident and that there has been no further information on it. I also fail to see how you could think, "a woman's virginity is a gift", is misogynist. A gift to whom? To herself? You say it is misogynist. I say the opposite is true.

 

[monkeyloveafight]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

I'm pretty sure that Mr Abbott was never charged with indecent assault.

I am pretty sure you are dead wrong. Let's ask Tony shall we?:

Abbott: I was charged with indecent assault
Abbott: I was charged with indecent assault - National - www.smh.com.au

That he denied the wall punching incident and that there has been no further information on it.

Yes. He denied it. But he has admitted we should not believe everything he says. On the other hand - 3 people with nothing to gain from making up stories were witness to the event. And the incident seems very much in character with his general behaviour at that time:

"He was a very offensive, a particularly obnoxious sort of guy," said Barbie Schaffer, a Sydney teacher who was at Sydney University with Mr Abbott.

"He was very aggressive, particularly towards women and homosexuals".

Published university reports show that after a narrow defeat in the university senate elections in 1976 - Mr Abbott's first year of an economics-law degree - he kicked in a glass panel door.
...
"Tony used to stand outside the women's room with his right-wing mates and loudly tell sexist and homophobic jokes,"

...
It was an ugly and often violent time. The end result, for Mr Abbott and Ms Wilson, was a sensational charge of sexual assault and a date in North Sydney court.
​Fellow students recall a champion of the right - National - www.smh.com.au

His denial seems pretty weak.

Oh - and we will be hearing more about it. Ms Ramjan, the victim is suing Abbott's mate Kroger for defamation after implying she was a "serial liar" on radio.
Abbott accuser sues Liberal Party powerbroker

I wonder why Abbott never took defamation against Ramjan? Gives a pretty good indication who the "serial liar" is, doesn't it.

I also fail to see how you could think, "a woman's virginity is a gift", is misogynist. A gift to whom? To herself? You say it is misogynist. I say the opposite is true.

Yes - well you have demonstrated that you say a lot of stupid things. I expect you will say a lot more.

 

[monkeyloveafight]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

Futhermore, Mr Abbott's challenge to the PM in the, "defense of the indefensable", with regards to Mr Slipper has gone entierly unanswered.

Yes. Because it is bollocks.

When did Gillard ever defend anything done by Slipper?
(and for that matter, how is likening female genitalia to a shellfish in a private conversation "indefensible"?)

 

[Benjamin]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

Yes - well you have demonstrated that you say a lot of stupid things. I expect you will say a lot more.

If you're going to claim a lot of the things I say are stupid. I expect some pretty convincing argument. How about we agree not to call each other stupid and I will agree not to critisize you for lack of debating skills.

I agree that Mr Abbott may have some undisclosed views on women generally. However, the problem is that most information sighted is circumstancial and subject to interpretation. Your reference to that article BTW was inconclusive. I saw no indication that sentence was passed, or guilty verdict given. The difficulty now is that after Ms Gillard's 'tantrum', Mr Abbott was not sought to make a reply, or defense. Which I would be interested to hear.

However interesting it may be to review Mr Abbott's past. You must conceede that Ms Gillard is the current PM. Therefore, it is her character that is on the line here. It is not a defense simply to throw comments back onto the questioner. However a questionable person they may be. Ms Gillard has not answered many of the questions asked of her to my satisfaction. Therefore, I have concerns regarding her credibility. I also have concerns, regarding her propensity to "shoot the messenger", instead of making herself accountable to the parliament, or the electorate.

I also refer you to this post. Which I note, you did not seek to argue.

No they don't. It shows that Ms Gillard is a savy politician who knows how to manipulate the views of the electorate, particularly those of women, for her own objectives. There was a 'watershed' of reaction and surge in Ms Gillards popularity. However, this was characterised by many of the female commentators. Who discribed the PM as, "standing up for all women", and, "declaring misongyinists for what they are". There is, I think, an emotional empathy within the female voter. Which is very clever manourvering by the PM. She understands that women are able to emotionally project themselves onto others. That through the victories of others they feel validated. For each woman in that moment, the attack on Mr Abbott was an attack on the men in the personal circumstance of that woman.

This strategy, however, is the politics of division. There was no true and earnest inditement against Mr Abbott. The accusations against him are untested, because he was not granted a reasonable reply. Futhermore, Mr Abbott's challenge to the PM in the, "defense of the indefensable", with regards to Mr Slipper has gone entierly unanswered. Ms Gillard is showing contempt for the political process. By not answering a question directed to her, by the Leader of the Opposition, during question time.

Ms Gillard has in effect made Mr Abbott the 'strawman' of everything that is patriachal and chauvenistic. Then proceeding to assasinate the character of Mr Abbott for things that are implied, and things that he has not said or done. Ms Gillard's speech was filled with loosely connected insinuation and was deeply emotional. Because it connected a concrete objection with male chauvenisim, with a dubious critisim of Mr Abbott. Without offering Mr Abbott the opportunity to explain, defend or make his views known. Indeed, how could he? His defense would be percieved as invalidation of the feelings of many women.

The real tragedy is that Ms Gillard has used the genuine grievances of women, to reinforce her own tenuious position. As a leader in a position of priviledge. It was said she was, "standing up for all women", yet the only woman she representing is herself. She is the one stripping the baby-bonus, and child care. She is the one making it difficult for families and women. The only. Woman. Ms Gillard. Represents. Is. Herself... The sooner you understand that. The better.

 

[monkeyloveafight]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

If you're going to claim a lot of the things I say are stupid. I expect some pretty convincing argument.

You are trying to claim that a bloke who has been charged with indecent assault, had witnesses to him punching the wall next to a woman's head and thinks a woman.s virginity is a "gift" doesn't deserve to be called a misogynist.

It doesn't get much more stupid than that.

How about we agree not to call each other stupid and I will agree not to critisize you for lack of debating skills.

How about you stop writing crap.

I agree that Mr Abbott may have some undisclosed views on women generally.

Undisclosed?!!? WTF? He has been very public with some of his views on women.

As the PM pointed out in her speech:
The Leader of the Opposition says “If it's true, Stavros, that men have more power generally speaking than women, is that a bad thing?”

“I want my daughter to have as much opportunity as my son.” To which the Leader of the Opposition says “Yeah, I completely agree, but what if men are by physiology or temperament, more adapted to exercise authority or to issue command?”

“I think it's very hard to deny that there is an underrepresentation of women,” to which the Leader of the Opposition says, “But now, there's an assumption that this is a bad thing.”

the Leader of the Opposition, as Minister of Health, said, and I quote, “Abortion is the easy way out.”

What the housewives of Australia need to understand as they do the ironing…”

Read more: Transcript of Julia Gillard's speech

However, the problem is that most information sighted is circumstancial and subject to interpretation.

No. It is not circumstantial at all. FFS. - Gillard provided ACTUAL QUOTES from Abbott.

And then there are the witnesses to his behaviour as a student:

"He was a very offensive, a particularly obnoxious sort of guy," said Barbie Schaffer, a Sydney teacher who was at Sydney University with Mr Abbott.

"He was very aggressive, particularly towards women and homosexuals".

Published university reports show that after a narrow defeat in the university senate elections in 1976 - Mr Abbott's first year of an economics-law degree - he kicked in a glass panel door.
...
"Tony used to stand outside the women's room with his right-wing mates and loudly tell sexist and homophobic jokes,"


Fellow students recall a champion of the right - National - www.smh.com.au

Your reference to that article BTW was inconclusive. I saw no indication that sentence was passed, or guilty verdict given.

No - it was not inconclusive (do you even understand what these words you are using mean?)

I said he was charged with indecent assault. The article quoted Abbott saying " I was charged with indecent assault"

it doesn't get more conclusive than that.

The difficulty now is that after Ms Gillard's 'tantrum', Mr Abbott was not sought to make a reply, or defense. Which I would be interested to hear.

"tantrum"?!?!?!

I think you will find it was a speech. Not a tantrum.

And where are you getting the idea that Abbott had no chance to respond?!?! He is still in Parliament isn't he? He has had ample opportunity to make a reply, or defense. He simply chose to slink away. We would all be interested to hear his reply, or defense. But it appears he is too gutless to make one.

However interesting it may be to review Mr Abbott's past. You must conceede that Ms Gillard is the current PM. Therefore, it is her character that is on the line here. It is not a defense simply to throw comments back onto the questioner. However a questionable person they may be. Ms Gillard has not answered many of the questions asked of her to my satisfaction.

Really?!?!

Why don't you tell us which questions that Ms Gillard has not answered to your satisfaction?
Could you do that?

Therefore, I have concerns regarding her credibility. I also have concerns, regarding her propensity to "shoot the messenger", instead of making herself accountable to the parliament, or the electorate.

Which "messenger" has she "shot"?

Is this supposed to make any sense?

I also refer you to this post. Which I note, you did not seek to argue.

Yes. It is a load of nonsense you are parrotting from Alan Jones. Why would anyone respond to that?

 

[Benjamin]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

MonkeyLAF,

There are a couple of points that we need to be clear on.

1. Being charged does not mean that the charge was upheld. A guilty verdict passed. Or sentence pronounced. The article is silent on the outcome of the court case. So, I can only assume that Mr Abbott was not found guilty. Otherwise, the journalist would have no doubt revealed that information.

2. Most of the public comments of Mr Abbott you refer to were made by Ms Gillard. Characterised by a lack of context, and interprative slant tending toward offence. I have yet to hear Mr Abbott on those statements.

3. It is difficult to interpret Mr Abbott's silence as, "slinking away", because the nature of Ms Gillard's speech was highly emotionally charged. As the use of the word 'Misogyny' would indicate. Ms Gillard's speech should rather be interpreted as an emotional outburst. Otherwise, she would have constrained her speech to the actions of Mr Abbott, not have included the actions of others, and pursued the matter more dilligently. Instead, the speech was a generalised rant on the general treatment of herself as PM; while at the same time connecting her grievance with the grievances of other women (which is politically very clever). Basically meaning that if Mr Abbott defended himself, he'd be commiting political suicide. Even though Ms Gillards speech was exagerated, emotionally charged and theatrical.

4. We expect our leaders to defend the interests of others, more than themselves. Leaders ought to put others first. All through that speech, the emphasis was I, I, I, I. The speech made the PM sound like a 'prima donna' filled with her own sense of importance, saying "Respect Me". Yet respect is earnt. Not simply given away. I find it difficult to respect a person when they retaliate with offensive and derrogatory terms of reference.

5. Your other quotes of Mr Abbott, simply refer to a fundamental position. Which recognises that men and women are not the same. A position which is self evident, and yet something that most hardened feminists refuse to accept. I think he was merely suggesting a hypothesis for the data, which showed over-representation of men in leadership. I don't believe that Mr Abbott had meant to deny equal opportunity... I do believe that his arguments, in that context, were against affirmative action. However, we do not know this, because we don't have a context.

6. The entire purpose of Ms Gillard's speech was to distract the public from herself, and Mr Slipper. Placing that public spotlight on Mr Abbott instead. In this Ms Gillard has been most successful (as this line of debate is showing)... You have taken the bait, and bought the spin. This (more than anything else) is what I am objecting to. That in this finger pointing Ms Gillard's actions have escaped public scrutiny. I do not deny that Mr Abbott has questions to answer. However, as far as I am concerned, that is a separate topic.

 

[spud_meister]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

See, my American friends, this is why I come to this site. Australian politics is ****ing tedious.

 

[Ray410]

Re: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Lashes Out Against Sexism in Blistering V

It's distressing that Australian PM Julia Gillard has a "domestic partner" that is a career hairdresser. This suggests an inability to interact with actual men, which would render this sort of rant something of a public airing of personal problems.