Nov 16 – Treatment of Woman in Politics in Traditional and Social Media

November 07, 2015

Online harassment and cyber-bullying has been in the news over the last few weeks after the organizers of the annual South by Southwest Interactive (SXSW) conference canceled two panels after receiving threats of physical violence.

It was not until two high-profile, online media companies Buzzfeed and Vox, announced they would pull out of the conference over the decision that SXSW agreed to host an ‘Online Harassment Summit’ at the 2016 conference.

“Earlier this week we made a mistake. By canceling two sessions we sent an unintended message that SXSW not only tolerates online harassment but condones it, and for that we are truly sorry,” the SXSW statement said. “Online harassment is a serious matter and we stand firmly against hate speech and cyber-bullying. It is a menace that has often resulted in real world violence; the spread of discrimination; increased mental health issues and self-inflicted physical harm.”

As well as the threat of physical violence and the use of aggressive language, there are other more subtle elements used in both new and old world media.

Some candidates are described as shrill, bossy, nagging, feisty, abrasive, ambitious, bubbly, emotional, frigid, frumpy, high-maintenance, pushy, sassy, headstrong, hysterical, and illogical. Guess which gender?

At the recent Democratic Convention in Escondido, George Lakoff contrasted differences in thinking and behavior between Democrats and Republicans based on nurturing, collaborative females and disciplinarian, controlling males.

Here in San Diego, on this club’s Facebook page and elsewhere, we’ve seen unsubstantiated, ridiculous and hurtful claims brazenly made against women in politics.

This months meeting will feature a panel discussion of the Treatment of Woman in Politics in Traditional and Social Media. Panelists to include:

  • Eva Posner, Communications Coordinator for the San Diego County Democratic Party @evaposner

  • Ramla Sahid, Executive Director of Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans @Almar_S

  • Lois Lane, freelance online writer for the OB Rag

Moderator: Emily Bonner, President of the Democratic Woman’s Club of San Diego County

Come along to lend your voice, learn from the experiences of others, and together determine positive steps we can take to improve the situation for everyone.

WhenMonday November 16, 7pm – Social Time from 6:30pm

Social TimeMembers are encouraged to get together from 6:30pm before the meeting starts.Please bring whatever light drinks/snacks that you’d like to share.

WhereAjA Project Building, 4089 Fairmount Ave, San Diego, CA 92105 (map)

The building is on the south-east corner of Polk and Fairmount, just north of University. Parking is also available at the adjoining Southern Sudanese and East African Community Centers on Fairmount Ave. Bus routes 7 and 13.

Questions?Call or email (619) 900-4751 [email protected]

We will also be voting on whether to endorse the Raise Up San Diego call to support the proposition on the June ballot to overturn Mayor Faulconer’s veto and increase the minimum wage. More details here.