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NightOwwl

(5,453 posts)

157. Insulting a public figure

Reply to ProdigalJunkMail (Original post)

Tue Mar 6, 2012, 12:35 PM

Mar 2012

is not the same as insulting your daughter, sister, mother, wife.

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why IS it ok for Maher to say hideous things about women [View all] ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 OP

I don't watch Maher either BUT he's on cable and Limbaugh is on the public Ecumenist Mar 2012 #1

i can see taking him off of AFN ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #3

Sadly, I have to say, that it is more about the venue AND the fact that Maher was Ecumenist Mar 2012 #50

Maher launched a singular attack on Palin, Limbaugh denigrated an entire segment of our population. FarLeftFist Mar 2012 #221

What's your theory? 2ndAmForComputers Mar 2012 #230

It is the venue. Talk to the FCC about it. And Rush is all over the radio on public airways. nt nanabugg Mar 2012 #102

Because there are huge scales of difference between what Maher does and what Limbaugh did. redgreenandblue Mar 2012 #2

i disagree...he called Palin a cunt and a twat ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #5

I'd be interested in some more background info. redgreenandblue Mar 2012 #7

while I am not sure of the order of events ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #11

I think the thing is that Rush has taken it to a new level. redgreenandblue Mar 2012 #74

I think there's a big difference between the two events Major Nikon Mar 2012 #199

His show airs once a week itsrobert Mar 2012 #200

um...he does more than just his show... ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #201

Can you give me more context itsrobert Mar 2012 #203

Link please. 2ndAmForComputers Mar 2012 #223

And NOW and every other feminist were pissed off. Luminous Animal Mar 2012 #17

hell no he should not get a pass ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #20

Actually, a lot of people on DU protest Maher's misogyny. Luminous Animal Mar 2012 #28

not looking for Limbaugh to get a pass at ALL ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #31

He is held to the same standards. The difference with Rush is that even Luminous Animal Mar 2012 #41

i wouldn't go THAT small ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #42

One other factor to consider..... Sheepshank Mar 2012 #149

Well Maher has never pretended to be a liberal, and his audience is not Tunkamerica Mar 2012 #71

Limbaugh should spark some soul-searching the way Don Imus sparked a discussion Zalatix Mar 2012 #127

He called them this during a comedy routine as a comedian not a social commentator. vaberella Mar 2012 #234

the scales are huge but I would say it's between what Sandra Fluke has done vs what Palin/Bachmann LynneSin Mar 2012 #125

It's not. JaneQPublic Mar 2012 #4

Maher attacked a woman for breast feeding her child ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #6

Attack? Sanity Claws Mar 2012 #98

Reaching itsrobert Mar 2012 #211

You are definitely reaching----woah. vaberella Mar 2012 #235

OK here is the difference... Loudmxr Mar 2012 #8

if you don't think Maher holds some sway in the Democratic Party ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #18

BUT Prodigal, the biggest difference between progressives and the other side Ecumenist Mar 2012 #52

Exactly right. GoCubsGo Mar 2012 #104

but why should it matter? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #146

Again, who is saying that it's okay? GoCubsGo Mar 2012 #165

Good God.... ohheckyeah Mar 2012 #167

I couldn't agree more. That was unessessary. UnrepentantLiberal Mar 2012 #184

It's not okay and plenty of people (mostly women) think that Luminous Animal Mar 2012 #9

ah, so because Limbaugh is an asshole and misogynist ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #13

Ah, no. In fact I clearly stated that Maher is a misogynist asshole. Luminous Animal Mar 2012 #19

i disagree with you on that ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #21

And then came the apology Life Long Dem Mar 2012 #137

i think part of it is how politicians and others view them, the Dems/Liberals aren't kissing Maher's JI7 Mar 2012 #10

i can see that ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #14

NOW, feminist bloggers, women and men on DU have criticized Maher... Luminous Animal Mar 2012 #33

as I mentioned below ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #35

I don't watch Maher, that said. Firebrand Gary Mar 2012 #12

i agree, the language should NEVER be used ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #15

You're right misogyny is misogyny SpartanDem Mar 2012 #16

Limbaugh is well deserving of the hate... ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #22

So, Maher is deserving of how much hate? 2ndAmForComputers Mar 2012 #231

It's not ok. When I have criticized the use Liquorice Mar 2012 #23

i have to admit that i have never seen anyone here 'support' ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #24

Unfortunately, in the past I have had discussions Liquorice Mar 2012 #29

i remember the photo ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #36

I wasn't aware the Maher was as politically prominent as Limbaugh REP Mar 2012 #25

he's not...but he does have a strong following ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #27

Its not okay me b zola Mar 2012 #26

in what way is it not comparable? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #30

Misogynistic language is unfortunately deeply rooted in our culture me b zola Mar 2012 #37

and i am sorry you cannot see the pattern in someone ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #38

Again, this isn't just about language me b zola Mar 2012 #45

yes it is ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #58

See, now everyone can see that you are not being truthful me b zola Mar 2012 #217

Comedian does hold water Shankapotomus Mar 2012 #70

have you WATCHED Real Time? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #80

Mahr should not say those things and it is wrong to do so Motown_Johnny Mar 2012 #32

22 threads on the first page of GD at this moment ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #34

Palin was on the scene for months, even years. Motown_Johnny Mar 2012 #39

i think misogyny is misogyny ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #43

So, you should be happy that there is at least one misogynist.... Luminous Animal Mar 2012 #44

not upset at that in the least ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #48

Rush has been spewing women hating crap for decades... Luminous Animal Mar 2012 #61

So if one of your girls, when she is 30 and a college student Motown_Johnny Mar 2012 #54

yes, calling someone a cunt should never be ok ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #56

I said it was wrong, multiple times Motown_Johnny Mar 2012 #63

maher is a punk.... madrchsod Mar 2012 #40

Well put. nt pecwae Mar 2012 #47

maybe because he's not actively trying to take away women's rights Syrinx Mar 2012 #46

i don't call the word 'cunt' colorful language ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #49

Give me some context Syrinx Mar 2012 #51

he called Palin a twat, a bimbo and a cunt ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #55

"cunt" and "dick" seem equivalent to me Syrinx Mar 2012 #57

like i said...i can see that ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #59

How do you feel about Jon Stewart? Syrinx Mar 2012 #64

well, he's just being dickish. Tunkamerica Mar 2012 #76

not fond of that either... ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #81

Where is the quote? You keep saying that he said this, yet you offer no proof Bluenorthwest Mar 2012 #126

you think those words weren't used? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #139

He used the C word in a stand-up show in a Dallas theatre, and a review mentioned it muriel_volestrangler Mar 2012 #176

Cunt may have been over the line, I would have just called her a white trash whore myself... snooper2 Mar 2012 #147

ok...so you would trash race, socio-economic and gender all in one line? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #148

It's her fault she is ignorant, she had opportunities snooper2 Mar 2012 #150

sorry...whore is indeed a generic term ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #153

The analogy doesn't hold. kaitcat Mar 2012 #53

why do people suggest that he is simply a comedian in this ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #62

So what punishment do you think is appropriate for misogynist Maher? kaitcat Mar 2012 #96

I don't get it. It's not okay at all. It's just that what Limbaugh was doing is subsantially worse saras Mar 2012 #60

Yes. As I posted above, I think Rush has taken it to a whole new level. redgreenandblue Mar 2012 #75

It's not okay. K? lukkadairish Mar 2012 #65

Because he was insulting Palin specifically, and non-literally. mainer Mar 2012 #66

Because Maher is a COMEDIAN! Drahthaardogs Mar 2012 #67

Maher doesn't speak for the Democratic party. Rush DOES SPEAK for the GOP. aaaaaa5a Mar 2012 #68

Because Maher is on cable NOT terrestrial radio Jello Biafra Mar 2012 #69

That doesn't make any sense... JSnuffy Mar 2012 #72

ethical gymnastics... ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #83

Well, I don't agree w/what Rush said either..... Jello Biafra Mar 2012 #103

Again.. this doesn't make any sense... JSnuffy Mar 2012 #111

53 attacks on one innocent woman Kingofalldems Mar 2012 #145

Ok....... JSnuffy Mar 2012 #174

There is a difference between private and public here. Ikonoklast Mar 2012 #177

Just so I understand... JSnuffy Mar 2012 #180

Zooooom, swoooosh! Ikonoklast Mar 2012 #185

Fine... JSnuffy Mar 2012 #192

He also made up lies about Ms. Fluke Kingofalldems Mar 2012 #209

I'm going to wait patiently... JSnuffy Mar 2012 #210

Because Maher's show Shankapotomus Mar 2012 #73

This should be an OP Motown_Johnny Mar 2012 #77

I already OPed it. Thanks. Shankapotomus Mar 2012 #79

I saw that Motown_Johnny Mar 2012 #84

Lol...that was my first instinct Shankapotomus Mar 2012 #97

Have you ever even SEEN Real Time? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #82

Roundly political commentary? Shankapotomus Mar 2012 #105

I don't think it is all right, but deutsey Mar 2012 #78

I get it. jefferson_dem Mar 2012 #85

right, it is perfectly ok for Maher to call someone a cunt ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #88

Your OP is all about trying to create (obviously false) equivalencies. jefferson_dem Mar 2012 #93

Who else is making this specious argument? Warren Stupidity Mar 2012 #86

hmmm, i don't recall people say HBO should fire him ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #89

Again the same arguments. Warren Stupidity Mar 2012 #94

just because some tool on the right is using this as defense of Limbaugh ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #204

People did, with his last show. LadyHawkAZ Mar 2012 #202

Hate radio and the right wing blogosphere are littered with this nonsense. jefferson_dem Mar 2012 #95

Women or men who engage in personal attacks against others are fair game for personal attacks. phleshdef Mar 2012 #87

holy SHIT...Palin ASKED to be called a cunt??? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #90

She asked to be attacked by being an attacker. I don't personally prefer to use that term myself. phleshdef Mar 2012 #110

+1 Incitatus Mar 2012 #198

Maher has called ISLAM a violent Religion Tveil Mar 2012 #114

I strongly disagree with him on that. phleshdef Mar 2012 #116

Sandra Fluke's testimony was giving voice to women who need birth control but have difficulty.. greendog Mar 2012 #91

nice blogs Mar 2012 #92

"One of the good guys did something remotely like it... mac56 Mar 2012 #99

it is our very own hyocrisy that is so clear for many. a lot of us recognize seabeyond Mar 2012 #100

Then you are blind. Warren Stupidity Mar 2012 #107

or honest. that is even more ironic that they stand up for rights yet work so hard dehumanizing and seabeyond Mar 2012 #108

+1000 mac56 Mar 2012 #136

Do you actually believe what you just said? laconicsax Mar 2012 #190

yes. Warren Stupidity Mar 2012 #194

I'm sorry, but Bill Maher isn't the actual head of the Democratic Party. baldguy Mar 2012 #101

Who is saying that it's okay? GoCubsGo Mar 2012 #106

it's called comedy....ever heard of it? it's this thing that makes us laugh. spanone Mar 2012 #109

maher is not a political commentator? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #113

It isn't okay, and I don't watch Maher because of it obamanut2012 Mar 2012 #112

When Maher was on the public airwaves... Iggo Mar 2012 #115

Maher is a comedian and on HBO. It is that simple. You can chose to watch or not watch. Fat boy southernyankeebelle Mar 2012 #117

When was the last time they put a gun to your head... JSnuffy Mar 2012 #181

What are you trying to tell me? I don't listen to Limpy. I draw a line when a private citizen is southernyankeebelle Mar 2012 #187

Maher is a douchebag. But he's *our* douchebag. Chorophyll Mar 2012 #118

Excuse me but... A wise Man Mar 2012 #119

thank you for proving the hypocrisy... ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #140

For sure Maher has big issues with women. wildeyed Mar 2012 #120

It isn't OK varelse Mar 2012 #121

I don't think anyone thinks what he said was ok cherish44 Mar 2012 #122

Honestly, I think alot of the outrage is over the fact that Sandra Fluke has done NOTHING to deserve LynneSin Mar 2012 #123

Please explain to me why.... Little Star Mar 2012 #130

Oh I agree, we all need to be better at that LynneSin Mar 2012 #133

or men? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #141

Thank you. Yes, there are many men who are offended as well as women... Little Star Mar 2012 #191

Maher is a comic, and the rules are different. That's the facts o' life. Bluenorthwest Mar 2012 #124

my RUSH? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #142

Oh my goodness gracious, you used some VULGAR LANGUAGE. mac56 Mar 2012 #151

nice try... ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #155

*Sigh* MadrasT Mar 2012 #159

Maher is on a premium pay channel... negativenihil Mar 2012 #128

Easy kctim Mar 2012 #129

+1 Little Star Mar 2012 #131

There is one huge difference that you are missing. RickG Mar 2012 #132

the use of misogynistic terms is NEVER acceptable ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #143

And what about misandry, or doesn't that count? MicaelS Mar 2012 #170

yes...it does matter ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #172

why don't you start a thread about it??? n/t Scout Mar 2012 #179

So what is the safe word to use when you want to call a woman a "dick"? jeff47 Mar 2012 #134

if you cannot find a word other than a misogynistic slur to ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #144

You've yet to explain how it's a misogynistic slur. jeff47 Mar 2012 #161

Does everyone in the Democratic party line up to kiss Maher's ring? I think we bullwinkle428 Mar 2012 #135

Who said it was okay? Catherine Vincent Mar 2012 #138

Good question. Rex Mar 2012 #154

Lemme know when Maher is on AFN shouting hate 3-6 hrs a day. Rex Mar 2012 #152

I agree... ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #156

Of course not...did you not read my post? Rex Mar 2012 #160

the 'however' caught my eye... ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #163

Well it is important to note the difference Rex Mar 2012 #166

you think i am trying to yank some chain? ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #171

Insulting a public figure NightOwwl Mar 2012 #157

using the word cunt is the same ProdigalJunkMail Mar 2012 #158

Couple of important differences pokerfan Mar 2012 #162

A comedian vs a politician? joeybee12 Mar 2012 #164

It's not okay for Maher to say those things. I won't watch the guy. I don't think he's funny. IndyJones Mar 2012 #168

Who said it was okay? ohheckyeah Mar 2012 #169

In essence, it's because Maher is "our guy" and Limbaugh is "their guy". hughee99 Mar 2012 #173

Is it ok when Stephenie Miller calls herself a slut? Johonny Mar 2012 #175

Hes a comedian on a subscription based service. Initech Mar 2012 #178

apples and oranges for me GeorgiaDemGuy Mar 2012 #182

Maher is not the Titular Head of the Democratic Party Yavin4 Mar 2012 #183

are you suggesting Maher is "our" Limbaugh? Enrique Mar 2012 #186

I never said it was okay RainDog Mar 2012 #188

I love Bill Maher, but hopefully he will tone it down as well. In fact jillan Mar 2012 #189

It's never right no matter who says it... cynatnite Mar 2012 #193

It's not OK. I quit watching him long ago for that reason. MineralMan Mar 2012 #195

No, it's not okay. Maher is an asshole. I agree with him often but he's an asshole. nolabear Mar 2012 #196

I don't think it was a specific person marlakay Mar 2012 #197

Because we agree with Maher ideologically mackattack Mar 2012 #205

It's not what was said about 'women', it was what Lush said about one woman in particular... truebrit71 Mar 2012 #206

Double standard? mackattack Mar 2012 #208

No, it's okay if one of them is a public figure that expects to be critiqued... truebrit71 Mar 2012 #216

well said mackattack Mar 2012 #219

HBO vs public radio? ecstatic Mar 2012 #207

Yup, public airwaves are suppose to serve the public itsrobert Mar 2012 #213

Huge difference betwen the two Taverner Mar 2012 #212

It sure looks like it. n/t HangOnKids Mar 2012 #215

Most definitely. 2ndAmForComputers Mar 2012 #224

Who says it's OK? Gruntled Old Man Mar 2012 #214

It's not OK but there but what Rush did was far worse. pa28 Mar 2012 #218

Is there a link? I've seen links and video on Limbaugh's vitriolic spew. /nt October Mar 2012 #220

the difference is in your title; hating on women in general vs an individual FREAK got root Mar 2012 #222

WHO SAYS ITS OK? MAHER IS A LIBERTARIAN MISOGYNIST ASSHOLE. undeterred Mar 2012 #225

It's Not And I Suspect His Tweet otohara Mar 2012 #226

Maher was taken off network television for much less than calling someone names notadmblnd Mar 2012 #227

Because hypocracy is not limited to right-wingers. cpwm17 Mar 2012 #228

Maher says some things I disagree with, but I like him. 2ndAmForComputers Mar 2012 #233

It depends if you react to his overt bigotry like you would to any right-winger cpwm17 Mar 2012 #236

I hate when Maher does that stupid shit Whisp Mar 2012 #229

First of all, it's not all right... ljm2002 Mar 2012 #232

I don't give a damn about what Maher did - the right-wingers are using it to distract. backscatter712 Mar 2012 #237

maher is misogynist IMO and always has been however La Lioness Priyanka Mar 2012 #238

As I said... 2ndAmForComputers Mar 2012 #239