Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) has exposed sexism in the U.S. Congress. OK so we’re not shocked, I know. But I think these bold statements made to Gillibrand by male senators are really over the top. From the Huffington Post:
“You know, Kirsten, you’re even pretty when you’re fat,” an unidentified Southern congressman told her in the House chamber.
“Good thing you’re working out, because you wouldn’t want to get porky!” another male colleague told her in the House gym.
Gillibrand said an older senator once grabbed her waist from behind and said, “Don’t lose too much weight now. I like my girls chubby.”
Gillibrand, always a lady, said:
?I believed his intentions were sweet, even if he was being an idiot.”
Whoa. Wait. No. Saying stuff?like that doesn’t make anyone a lady (though Sen. Gillibrand certainly is a lady). His intentions were NOT sweet. We can’t excuse these pigs who say things like this. They don’t get a free pass because of their upbringing, their background, or their age. We expect our female leaders to hold these men?accountable. Period.
Kirsten Gillibrand served in the U.S. House from 2007-2009. Gov. David Paterson appointed her to the Senate, where she later won reelection in a 2010 special election. Gillibrand shared these comments in an interview in People Magazine. Her new book is “Off the Sidelines: Raise Your Voice, Change the World.”
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Tiffany Willis is the founder and editor-in-chief of Liberal America. An unapologetic member of the Christian Left, she has spent most of her career actively working with ?the least of these? and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. She’s passionate about their struggles. To stay on top of topics she discusses,?like her?Facebook page,?follow her on Twitter, or?connect with her via LinkedIn. She also has?a?grossly neglected personal blog?and a?literary quotes blog that is a labor of love. Find her somewhere and join the discussion.
