Lauren Auton, September 4, 2009, 3:42 PM
The prime minister of Italy, Silvio Berlusconi is well-known because of his very sexist remarks and behavior towards women. He comments on the beauty of women in the Parliament and has found positions in government for former models and starlets. Attitudes towards his behavior are split between those who are accepting of it and those who feel they need to stand up and rally against him. Some Italians have brought their complaints to the European Court of Human Rights and others thought it best to make a documentary about the whole situation. Recently some Italian women from the academic community arranged a boycott of the G-8 meeting and collected over 15,000 names of men and women on a petition.
I find it really hard to believe that a country as developed and as well-known as Italy is still capable of having someone in a position of power who still has these types of degrading and discriminating ideas towards women. It is also pretty interesting that so little coverage has been given to the topic, especially with the boycott and the petition. And although it is a little disheartening for women to see that so many people in Italy are just sitting back and allowing this to happen, the situation is also very hopeful thanks to all the people who do feel the need to take a stand for what they feel is right.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/27/opinion/27volpato.html
3 comments:
I agree that it is sad that a such a developed country is still allowing such blatant sexism to happen. Though women in our country definitely are more accepted in roles of power, fifty years ago that wasn't the case. I have hope for Italy, and other countries where women are still objectified and not viewed as equal to men, that over time their people protesting and standing up for what they believe is right will bring change for their women.
It is terrible that tis is still happening. Sexism is a sad thing. I agree and hope that the situation improves.
It is terrible that tis is still happening. Sexism is a sad thing. I agree and hope that the situation improves.
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