Here is an interesting "theory":

[Finder]

It is being discussed on GD here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3956771

I think it was unfair to post the couple of pics of women as an example of "non-babes" since it is obvious the women have been working their asses off.

Perhaps we need to set up make-up and costume stands at future protests...(sarcasm)

[atommom]

1. It was an interesting article, but I didn't think it was too fair to

the "non-babes" either. There's probably some truth to the theory, but it just gets tiresome when every freakin' thing women do subjects them to a critique of their hotness/lack thereof. Because I think there are probably bigger issues in the political sphere than whether the men at the rallies are adequately aroused by the women... :eyes:

Humans really aren't all that highly evolved, I think.

[geniph]

2. I notice no one complains the men are all ugly

the day men's and women's appearance are given equal weight in determining their societal value will be the day I stop bitching about women's appearances being paramount in EVERY context.

:mad:

[Vladimir]

3. Utterly beyond bullshit

Why do "revolutions" like the Ukranian and Lebanese have Sports Illustrated girls in the front? Cos that's what the West is buying, and the West wants its sponsored regime change a certain kind of photogenic...

Funny that they did not talk about the Stop the War movement in the UK, which brought about the biggest demonstrations in British history on Feb. 15th 2003, a movement stuffed with intellectuals, socialists, feminists, humanists. I guess we should have stuck a cheerleading squad in the front...

[jmm]

4. Nobody superficial enough to be involved in a movement

because of the "babes" would make any kind of difference so this theory holds no weight with me.

I do think however that people who believe this have to take into account who the media wants to portray at protests or having any serious political involvement. The protests and protesters that get the most coverage are violent, outlandish, and/or have the most extremists views and appearance. Nice pretty girls ain't suppose to concern themselves with serious matters so they aren't usually the ones portrayed. It's easier for a babe to make headlines for going missing in Aruba than for actually making a difference.

[Hello_Kitty]

5. Doubtful you'd see too many "babes" at protests here

Since "babe-ness" requires so much time and obsessive effort devoted to one's appearance. All the waxing, plucking, compulsive exercise, shopping, botoxing etc. etc. that women are exhorted to do just to be considered marginally "hot" by today's ridiculous standards doesn't leave a lot of time left over to even study political issues, much less get involved in activism. And that's no accident, as we all know. Keeping women terrified of being perceived as ugly and abrasive is an effective silencer. To wit: Limbaugh's continued intentional and gleeful use of feminazi to describe women who disagree with him. Guys like the author of that article, and PJ O'Rourke who inspired him, and the Rushes of the world are petty little assholes who take their frustrations out on the easiest target that society gives them - women's looks.

That being said, I have to admit that when I go to any sort of event for the Dems or a liberal cause I dress nicely. Reason: Ann Coulter. Who used the following phrase to describe us: "...corn-fed, no make-up, natural fiber, no-bra needing, sandal-wearing, hirsute, somewhat fragrant hippie chick pie wagons they call "women" at the Democratic National Convention." So you see, it's not just guys doing it. And frankly, I don't know who she's talking about there. The women I saw at the Dem convention looked wonderful and vibrant as far as I was concerned.

Fuck you Ann. I'm gorgeous and so are my liberal sisters and if you ever see me at a national convention you better believe I'll be wearing a slammin' outfit. You wouldn't know true beauty, class, and grace from a hole in the ground so you can stick your catty little comments up your evil neo-con fascist ass!

[Finder]

6. Great rant.lol

I really wanna say that "You, go girl" cheer.:toast:

[atommom]

7. I loved your rant too. Women who have been working their

butts off for hours participating in politics may occasionally perspire, develop frizzy hair, and/or start looking haggard. As long as our standard for "hotness" comes from Photoshopped (and surgically altered) teenage bodies, it's going to be hard for any woman who has a life to measure up.

[geniph]

8. I nearly went ballistic when I saw that Coulter bit

since I was one of the aforementioned "pie wagons" at the Convention.

However, I considered the source - that woman is defective. There's something seriously the matter with her.

And I dressed quite nicely the whole time I was at the Convention. When you're in the public eye, it's a good idea to look like you mean business, in my opinion. If you're representing the party at a professional event (protests are different, of course they're casual), you should dress the way you would in a place of business.

Be damned if I'm going to dress like a hooker to attract more teenage boys to the party. Would rather attract serious thinkers and doers to the party, thanks.