Contributor Opinion By Arthur Katz: Forehand’s Mailer, Cover Their Eyes

This Contributor Opinion is by Arthur Katz.

A mailer I received about a week ago from the Forehand campaign tries to raise ethics issues using the technique of guilt by innuendo. But the mailer’s visual images raise something equally or even more disconcerting, though perhaps more subtly.

They resurrected the idea that as soon as men pay attention to women using the image of a gift box tied with a ribbon - women in general and Delegate Kagan in particular - would swoon and follow mindlessly the men’s directions. It is a demeaning image and quite revealing when it appears in a 2010 campaign.

Like many fathers of working daughters I would have expected we would have put this stereotype to rest.

But the most recent campaign mailer I just received today reinforces the Forehand campaign’s disturbing attitude toward women. It shows two men with cigars alongside Delegate Kagan. One of them seems to be zipping up his fly while grinning and holding a cigar in his mouth.

It takes no imagination to figure out what that is about. I would have to cover my daughters’ eyes, even at their age.

This last mailer is particularly offensive coming at the beginning of the Jewish High Holidays

Arthur Katz

This is a Contributor Opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such pieces for consideration — the more voices the better. Simply send them to [email protected]. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

Please also note that Rockville Central does not endorse candidates in election campaigns. Supporters of all candidates are encouraged to submit opinion pieces for consideration.

Share and enjoy:

Hide Sites