NOMAS-Boston Promotes Equal Access to "Feminine" Qualities

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California, recently and repeatedly used the term “girly-men” to demean members of the California legislature and critics of President Bush’s economic policy. The later speech was made before millions of viewers during the Republican National Convention. NOMAS–Boston sees these remarks as misogynistic and homophobic. While this term is from a parody of weightlifters on Saturday Night Live, it is not funny in this context.

To those critics who are so pessimistic about our economy,
I say: Don't be economic girly-men!
– Governor Schwarzenegger during the Republican National Convention, August 30th, 2004.

When responding to a difference of opinion, an often used and sensationalistic tactic is to vilify one’s opponent. Rather than trying to see the legitimacy of his or her view, some take the tactic of humiliating or dehumanizing the others’ way of understanding the world. Reducing the status of a person or viewpoint amplifies one’s own perspective – often an effective and persuasive tactic, rallying others away from the targeted viewpoint. This tactic is an ingenious and paradoxical form of communication that forces the listener to either accept the statement being presented or lower themselves to the level of being an idiot, stupid, etc.

The Governor’s language not only vilifies and dehumanizes his opponents, but it also carries a subtly loaded cultural message. The term girly-men connotes a host of derogatory images to the terms girl and girl-like: ignorant, indecisive, incorrect, and wimpy. From the podium of the internationally televised RNC, the Governor promoted the idea that women and people who behave like women (read: gay) are ignorant, indecisive, and incorrect. From a position of power, he is perpetuating sexist myths and homophobic ideas.

This language perpetuates
sexist myths and homophobic ideas.

NOMAS-Boston finds this tactic and language offensive. Dehumanizing girls, gay men, or any person incorporating “girl-like” qualities is unacceptable and insulting. Language is an important cultural tool that could be used for empowerment, to support girls and women, and to recognize and celebrate our own “girl-like” qualities. We strive for a world that does not seek to equate negative human characteristics with women but rather one that examines what human characteristics are beneficial for all of us.

We strive for a world that does not seek to equate
negative human characteristics with women but rather
one that examines what human characteristics
are beneficial for all of us.

Written and Approved by the NOMAS-Boston Steering Committe, September 14th, 2004