Arnold's comment was NOT homophobic. It was not SEXIST.

[Deja Q]

It was immature and said by a man with the mentality of a 9 year old boy.

Why is the media saying 'homophobic' and 'sexist'? Repukes are defending the Hitlerator.

If the media said Governor Groper was IMMATURE in his ATTITUDE, then everybody would be more inclined to hate the steroid-ridden fool.

What's wrong with saying the truth? He was immature and people are ignoring that basic fact. Well, Dems aren't but they are using the wrong tactic...

[salinen]

1. Saying what Ahnoids is

is calling ice hard water.

[DrWeird]

2. Frankly, I think it was...

all of the above.

Plus: unoriginal.

[Pabst Blue Democrat]

5. I'd say it was silly-

and he looks silly for saying it. Just let him dig himself a hole.

[Deja Q]

6. Okay, it was homophobic and sexist. But the greater point remains...

It would be so easy to discredit that micro-testicular thug, but they'd rather be pedantic with their semantics instead of going for the proverbial jugular where it matters!

[doc03]

12. The reaction I have seen is that the Democrats

that are making a big deal about it look ridiculous to most people.

[UdoKier]

3. Not to mention incompetent.

He loves to use his little movie catch phrases to deflect attention from his shortcomings. Reagan used to do the same thing. At least Arnold learned from the...er...best?

[Racenut20]

4. Displaying his latent homosexual tendencies.

[sandnsea]

7. It was bullying and degrading

Why can't Democrats see the writing on the wall? They rolled out welfare queens in the 80's, feminazi in the 90's, and now it's girlie-men. That's our party, niggers, men-haters and fags.

Sorry, again, to use vulgar language. But goddammit, I just don't see why people around here don't get what's happening.

[theHandpuppet]

15. Exactly.

Although the fact that even on DU there are still so many who don't "get it" doesn't surprise me -- unfortunately.

[hlthe2b]

8. The California DEMS reemed him out for "homophobic" and "sexist"

comments apparently. But, who cares whether it was "only stupid!)" or "stupid + homophobic + sexist? "

He's already proven himself to be a sexist "gropenator," clearly narcissistic, stupid on multiple occasions, and while he officially supports gay marriage, that does not necessarily rule him out as homophobic. In my own anecdotal experience, I've certainly encountered many guys who were tolerant in their spoken comments re: gays (at least in public-- mixed company), but when out with their "macho peers," certainly conveyed considerable homophobic bravado.

[IronLionZion]

9. He looks stupid

His movie lines and shit are just plain stupid. People need to be saying that.

[Cleita]

10. Art Torres did say that they were the words of a third grade bully,

but the words make an association with girls as being undesirable and therefore appealing to the sexism in the men he is trying to denigrate and there is the hidden meaning of being homosexual, which also makes an undesirable association with being gay and I think gays should be upset about that.

So in summary, if he was trying to insult Democrats, he instead showed what he is, sexist and homophobic, which plays well with his right wing cronies but I don't think it did anything for shaming Democrats in not being girlie-men and that just points to the fact that the man is a stupid ass, idiot.

[Mr_Spock]

11. I posted this earlier today...

The one thing I can say about his comments - the reaction from people will be at a gut level, and many or most in the middle will not approve of his style or technique. Discussing this is almost a waste of time as people have already made up their mind about his comments before they even type the first keystroke. Now, making sure everyone is aware that he is making these stupid comments is a VERY good idea because I think the majority of reasonable people will see them (and HIM) for what they are - petty and irresponsible.

[West Coast Democrat]

13. Why does he cop Ann Coulter phrases?

[theHandpuppet]

14. Not mutually exclusive concepts

I've never heard the term "girlie-man" or "girlie-boy" in a context where it *wasn't* meant in a sexist and/or homophobic way. Are misogynists and homophobes immature? Perhaps many are, but they're still misogynists and homophobes nonetheless. If someone were to use a racial or ethnic slur, would we call them on their racism or simply dismiss them as "immature" so as not to offend anyone for whom an Aryan strongman puts a voice to to their internalized racism, sexism and homophobia?

I frankly don't give a damn if calling someone on their prejudice is unpopular or not politic. Arnold's true colors came flying through and from the cheering of his adoring throng, it's all too clear why playing on and "legitimizing" people's hatred and fear is a tried and true tactic for every tinpot fascist that ever rose to power.

Now for a little context, and just a few examples of how language has been used as a tool in the RW war on liberals, women and gays:

http://www.polemics.us/archives/2004_03.php

Girlie Boys

Somewhere along the line, our society decided that it was no longer acceptable to let boys be boys. A boy, essentially, must be feminized. He must sit still and behave in the classroom. He must not engage in aggressive play or become pugnacious in defending his honor on the playground or ballfield. He must not glory in competition and in defeating his foe. When a boy successfully bucks all attempts to render him a gelding, we drug him up and subdue him. He grows up a "metrosexual" and we praise him for his effeminacy. Had that eye been blackened a few times in his youth, we might not presently be dealing with its queerness.

Also see:

http://www.dailypundit.com/archives/011166.php

http://www.lewrockwell.com/mercer/mercer13.html "girlie boys" -- a fave Ann Coulter slur

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=27264

[noiretextatique]

16. this is the REAL point: the RW use of language

this is NOT an isolated incident...it is a tactic used in a war against *certain* people with language. it's time to "GET IT," and fight back.
or at the very least, stop making excuses for them.

[theHandpuppet]

23. I totally agree...

I'm sick of seeing people apologetically duck for cover when some asshole is called on their racism, sexism and/or homophobia. It's as if you hear that little collective voice decrying, "Oh, but I'm not one of THOSE people!" To the RW we're ALL "one of those people". Time to stop rationalizing or making excuses and FIGHT BACK.

[AndyTiedye]

17. ARNIE DOES IT WITH KEN LAY! WHAT DOES THAT MAKE HIM?

http://www.gregpalast.com/detail.cfm?artid=283&row=1
http://baltimorechronicle.com/060704Enron.shtml
http://www.salon.com/opinion/conason/2003/08/11/enron /

Edit: added links

[Feanorcurufinwe]

18. A pejorative that uses gender to insult someone. That is sexist.

That it is also immature is irrelevant.

[Deja Q]

21. No it isn't irrelevant. Here's why:

Because "sexist", "homophobic", et al, instantly bring up polarizing messages of "political correctness". The word "immature", hardly irrelevant, speaks for EVERYBODY.

And yes, it was a very sexist remark (didn't I say the same thing in a response to somebody else?)

[Feanorcurufinwe]

22. What I meant was

that whether it is 'immature' is not relevant to the question of whether it is 'sexist'. I didn't mean to say that it is irrelevant to label the remark as immature.


You may very well be right that it would be more effective in attacking Arnold over this to use the term 'immature' instead of sexist.

[true grit]

19. Our Children are watching.

They will want to see how "grown=ups" handle being bullied. It would be a disservice to them to ingore these comments and not expose him for what he is and hold him accountable.

[4_Legs_Good]

20. He was making a stupid joke that tells us he's still a movie meathead

When he starts acting like a politician and a statesman, maybe we'll start treating him like one. As long as he hides behind stupid movie one-liners, I can't take him seriously.

Please, Arnold, grow up.

david