Dear Friend,

Recently, I've been wondering why we’ll likely have fewer women in Congress after the November elections than we’ve had in the last three decades? [1]

Well, one reason might just be because the current women running for office are too often subjected to outrageous sexist comments from media pundits and commentators--commentators who talk more about female candidates' physical attributes than about the attributes of the policies they support. From likening female U.S. Senators to prostitutes, to rating candidates based on their body shapes, media commentators are repeatedly crossing the line. [2]

For example, on September 20, a Boston-area disc jockey at WRKO said this about the Republican candidate for State Treasurer, Karyn E. Polito: "I think she's hot. She's tiny, she's short. She's got a banging little body on her. Facial wise, I give her about a seven. Body wise, I give her about an eight-and-a-half. Tight little butt. I endorse Karyn Polito." [3]

Not helpful, WRKO. Sexist media coverage like this has a proven negative impact on voters' likelihood to support women candidates and it creates a political environment that's frankly toxic for all women and mothers. [4] With all of that in mind, it's sad, but not so very surprising to hear that fewer women (and mothers) are expected to be elected this year than in the past three decades. [5]

Turn this trend around! Take a moment now and join me to help stop the domino effect of media commentators focusing on the physical attributes of female candidates and ignoring real issues which creates a toxic political climate for all women (and mothers).

*Sign on with 1-click to our short, but direct, letter to WRKO--and other media commentators who cross the line--that says:

"Cover real issues, not body parts. Stop focusing on the physical attributes of female candidates and ignoring issues that impact families every day like fair pay for women, jobs, access to healthcare and childcare, family leave, and other family economic security policies."

http://action.momsrising.org/letter/Nameitchangeit_10_16_10/?source=taf

We'll first deliver this letter to WRKO, and then continue to deliver it in the future at strategic moments when we hear about other media commentators who also engage in sexist commentary. To help us do this, let us know if media commentators near you are engaging in sexist commentary by emailing: MEDIAWATCH@MOMSRISING.ORG

Why are we doing this? With the election coming up on Tuesday, November 2nd, we've got to keep on our toes by: both countering sexist language in the media and...remembering to vote! And heck, we've got a big political and economic muscle, so let's flex them! As more than 50% of the electorate, and as the key economic decision-makers in over 80% of all consumer purchases, women have tremendous power. [6]

*Take a moment now to mark your calendar to vote by November 2nd--and also don't forget to click below to help stop the domino effect of media commentators assuming it's okay to to only focus on the physical attributes of female candidates:

http://action.momsrising.org/letter/Nameitchangeit_10_16_10/?source=taf

Please forward this email to your friends and family so they can take action too.

Thank you. Together we are a powerful force for women, children, and families.


P.S. Thank you to the Name It. Change It. (http://www.nameitchangeit.org/) campaign for leading efforts to stop sexism in the media.



[1] USA Today: Elections are likely to trim number of women in Congress.

[2] Name it. Change it. Top 50 most sexist quotes on the campaign trail, and Washington Post: women’s groups call out political sexism

[3] Name it. Change it. Action Alert: Email and call WRKO in response to sexist comments on the air

[4] USA Today: Study: Sexist insults hurt female politicians

[5] USA Today: Elections are likely to trim number of women in Congress.

[6] She-conomy.com