Feminist Looking Glass

Rush Limbaugh,  no friend to progressive thought, feminism, or intellectual discussion, told Fox News earlier today that he is “a huge supporter of women.” Limbaugh was being questioned about his role in judging the Miss America pageant, and whether or not it was “appropriate,” given the fact that he does not have a reputation of supporting women.

Denying the accusation, Limbaugh replied that he is a is a supporter of women, just not feminism. In defense of his argument, he said:

“I love the women’s movement — especially when walking behind it.”

Oh, Rush. Not that I expected anything more constructive or intelligent from the man who also said that feminism “was established to allow unattractive women easier access to the mainstream.” It seems that for Limbaugh, the only noteworthy characteristic a women can have is based on her looks.

Although to be fair, his comment isn’t entirely incongruous with the purpose of the Miss America pageant. I’d love to hear an argument that posits that Miss America, Miss Universe, and the like are productive at much else besides objectifying and reinforcing harmful beauty standards. Yes, they provide scholarships, but these scholarships are awarded based on physical characteristics, which only reinforces the concept that women should be judged and rewarded based on beauty. In fact, I believe Rush is exactly the type of audience these pageants are designed for– people who see women as little other than beautiful objects or poised dolls. Swimsuit and gown competitions serve to titillate, and question-and-answer sessions are a source of ridicule. The whole production reeks of pre-feminism gender standards. Not to mention the scary child pageantry spin-off reality shows like Toddlers & Tiaras or Little Miss Perfect.

Rush’s comment is just one more in a long list of examples of the dysfunctional valuing of women in society.

Filed under: Feminism, Male Perspectives, Pop Culture Tagged: | beauty pageants, Feminism, Fox News, miss america, rush limbaugh