I gave up cursing for Lent. This has proved difficult.
Even a primitive analysis (which this is) reveals Rush Limbaugh’s misogyny. I define feminism thusly: loving thy species-equivalent as thyself. And I’ve read my Andrea Dworkin. Men in every culture uphold male entitlements to available sex, ergo, Limbaugh’s demand for a video.
Magnificently humanitarian men who work tirelessly for the impoverished, displaced and marginalized, one-on-one with a woman may be anything but humane. What if you heard about the end of your marriage from the media? That is, your spouse talked to a reporter before he talked to you? Brad Pitt is a profound actor and courageous activist. Was his act profoundly sadistic act or merely clumsy? I easily could name others, but figured our Missouri blond would get your attention.
There is something intentional about this behavior, even if subconscious. Bill Clinton, MLK and JFK all made repeated conquests, apparently thinking little about crushing a female human being’s soul and psyche. The bodies strewn behind, collateral damage, were trophies, part and parcel of their motivation.
Like toddlers, men often do what they can get away with. Further, if the hand that rocked the cradle was rough, anyone with two X-chromosomes will receive undeserved payback. Heterosexual relationships, a coupling of the constant explorer with a partner usually more invested in the relationship’s fabric, require a knowledgeable approach to these inherent drives, the power dynamic and a commitment to ethical behavior.
Utilizing a tribal constant, unless the woman involved is a blood relative, a woman is unimportant. A modern corollary, white supremacy and male supremacy are identical: I am better than you.
I sat with two respected NYC-based political leaders who debated the merits of Ike Turner, after viewing the Tina Turner film. They thought Tina so uninhibited while performing that she required regular beatings. You remember how Ole Massa and Missus talked in front of slaves, whom they considered non-sentient, like the furniture? Recently, a preacher told me older mentors bragged openly about conquests of women.
Truly feminist men outraged by Limbaugh, however, take a good look when the pot disses the kettle. I estimate the number of men in the U.S. who believe in the equality of women at about 30 percent. I dread speculating on societies which don’t entertain the discussion.
If a man’s enjoyment entails hurting you, consider this anti-social. If men wish to legislate away your rights to your body, consider yourself at war. Rape is also emotional and psychological. Removing the underpinnings of behaviors reduces them. Since women had no status in ancient societies, revisit Christian liturgy to invalidate male self-deification.
This column is dedicated to Rachel Corrie. Sistahgirl had balls.
Ruth-Miriam Garnett is author of a novel, Laelia (Simon & Schuster) and Concerning Violence, New & Selected Poems (Onegin). Her novel Chloe’s Grief (Onegin) will be published in 2012.
