It’s Not Populism Waging A War On Women, It’s Liberalism – IOTW Report

It’s Not Populism Waging A War On Women, It’s Liberalism

The Federalist.com: Liberal democracy is in trouble, but Peter Beinart of The Atlantic knows how to save it: Man the vacuums! Truly. His solution is for men to do more housework. He concludes his essay with this charge: “Foster women’s equality in the home, and you may save democracy itself.” This uninspired peroration is so readily mocked (“Once more unto the bleach, dear friends, once more”) that it is almost unsporting.

However, there is a logical sequence of ideas leading to it. Beinart realizes that the American left’s usual explanations for right-wing populism (or “authoritarian nationalism,” as he calls it) “don’t travel well.” Economic anxiety and racial or cultural resentment from white Christians do not explain what is happening in the Philippines.

Thus, a unified theory of right-wing populism needs a different fundamental constant, and Beinart thinks he has identified it. He declares that besides antipathy toward liberal democracy, “The right-wing autocrats taking power across the world share one big thing … They all want to subordinate women.”

Beinart borrows his theory from political scientist Valerie Hudson of Texas A&M University, who argues that throughout history, “Men agreed to be ruled by other men in return for all men ruling over women.” Political legitimacy is perceived to be rooted in the seemingly natural male rule over the household, whereas female political authority seems unnatural.

Consequently, Beinart asserts that populist autocrats “use gender” to undermine their liberal democratic opponents by tying “illegitimacy to women’s power.” This may energize women voters and activists, but unless the culture has changed to accept the legitimacy of female political power, feminist passion may produce a backlash that the populist autocrats can further exploit. And changing the culture to accept female power begins at home — specifically with men doing more housework.

To save democracy, men, get thee to the laundry. MORE

6 Comments on It’s Not Populism Waging A War On Women, It’s Liberalism

  1. It isn’t Conservative men who want men in women’s restrooms, who want men winning women’s sporting contests, who want to normalize female genital mutilation.
    As for women in the workforce, I think most Conservative men just want to work with competent coworkers, regardless of sex or color. And we don’t want favoritism, nor do we want favoritism used against us.

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  2. Wow. All that to say “I feel guilty being a man. I cower before my ‘female’ (isn’t that genderist?) betters.” …like “Beinart borrows his theory from political scientist Valerie Hudson…” Political “scientist”?

    There is no “science” supporting such a wacko theory. This is another in a long line of the Left’s “Science is Real” nonsense shot full of Big Fat Lies.

    “In 1878, California Republican Aaron A. Sargent introduced the 19th Amendment permitting women the right to vote. It was defeated by the Democratic-controlled Congress. Republicans re-introduced the bill every year with no success.” (Read about the history of 19th Amendment and who was behind it: https://www.theblaze.com/contributions/in-1920-republicans-defeated-democrats-war-on-women )

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  3. He’s right! All you incels and soyboys! Find some women who will allow you to massage their feet. And do their laundry (No hand washables, please. Because, you’re, well, you know). And pay their rent (Pay equity!).

    And, in return, I promise to vote for every democratic-socialist, I’m given the honor and privilege of being allowed to vote for. Pinky swear! (Would someone who wants to see you in hinterland “camps” lie to you?)

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  4. Wow, these people really know how to mangle language and logic not to mention reality. Generally speaking men rule and always have due to natural processes. That’s the natural order of things. Women can and sometimes do rule.

    The guy Beinart sounds like he’s desperate to get laid. He’s actually telling women they can’t compete with men unless the man is feminized.

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  5. @ AbigailAdams …“Beinart borrows his theory from political scientist Valerie Hudson…” Political “scientist”? HEY! Since I hold the opposing views from the ‘Political Scientist’ Valerie Hudson, that makes ME a Political Scientist TOO, and an Esteemed One At That IMO! Pay ME!

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