EnMasse

[Corey]

There have been issues in a thread or two or more, and they will probably come up again, where an enmassiste comments on the appearance of one or more public figures, like a singer or an athlete.

There's a whole bundle of issues that obviously comes up when a male poster, or a poster who might be read to be male, does so about a woman.

There are not entirely the same sort of systemic, male gaze sort of issues with comments among the same sex, or where a woman comments on a man. But there may still be issues.

Where should we draw these lines for ourselves? What are all of us here comfortable with, or not, or not sure?

It would be good to hear from absolutely as many people as possible, however much or little you might have to say. It would be especially welcome to hear from every woman reading this.

Corey, who no, does not have a crush on a public figure I'm just looking for permission to proclaim. ...no really! I don't!

[Tehanu]

I find that it is something that happens more often with reference to women, positive or negative. Female politicians are especially likely to be targets (two words: Belinda Stronach).

What I feel is that if a person like an actor or model makes their living at least partially from their looks -- which I'm not keen on, separate topic, then their appearance is perhaps more fair game. But when personal appearance is used as a way of minimizing or sidetracking from commentary on opinions or actions, then for me that crosses the line.

So, for example, calling Elizabeth May "frumpy" instead of saying that one dislikes her prevarication on the issue of abortion, is something that gets my goat.

And Corey, I'd say have a crush on a public figure by all means. Undoubtedly it's largely because of the person's fine and admirable stance on an issue of concern.

[Chester]

gee, how about this example: http://thetyee.ca/Mediacheck/2008/04/30/YouTubeRoyals/ wherein the Tyee starts a section of the story on Jordan's Queen Rainia using youtube to discuss stereotypes with the heading "Pretty Political" and suggests much of the instant popularity of her vids are because of her looks.

the thing is though....she's totally hot.

[Tehanu]

Uh-huh ... and the article also points out:

[TS.]

Focusing on the appearance of anyone make me a bit uncomfortable, though more when it is a woman being discussed. It is too easy for many people (not necessarily posters here) to use comments about appearance to dismiss a woman's arguments, even if there are strong valid counter-arguments that can be made against them. The same kind of thing troubles me when it occurs in relation to female athletes.
_________________
"Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear." - Thomas Jefferson

[Cartman]

There has been much gossip about Shania Twain splitting up with her husband. Several times, I have heard reporters say that they were not surprised given the age difference and the fact that he is ugly. I have never viewed any pictures of this guy, but I think that this is terrible. The CBC just reported that the dude is fugly too. I think it is sad when our state broadcaster makes such statements.

[F.]

[ronb]

[F.]

But not the Mutt of Mutt & Jeff fame.

Mutt Lange actually looks like any other guy you'd see at the donut shop or the local pub. Normal Joes everywhere might feel a bit insulted by all this talk of Lange's appearance, which might be one of the reasons urban legends about supposed sex-symbols like Richard Gere and Tom Cruise are so persistant.

[Reverend Blair]