Archive for the ‘Gender Politics’ Category
Tuesday, March 31st, 2015
I’m pleased that business clout and boycott threats are causing Indiana’s Gov. Pence and the state legislature to revisit Indiana’s “religious freedom” law.
But wouldn’t it be nice if corporations had a similar response to other forms of discrimination? Laws that make it harder for women to get birth control or have an abortion, to name just two.
Making Discrimination ExPENCive (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Seems a lesson’s been learned by Gov. Pence:
Biased laws can cost dollars and cents.
Biz will fight for gay rights.
Now it’s time for some fights
Against anti-gal laws to commence.
Tags: Big Business, Gay Rights, Indiana, Mike Pence
Posted in Gay Rights, Gender Politics, GOP Humor, Mike Pence, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor | Comments Off on Making Discrimination ExPENCive (Limerick)
Monday, October 6th, 2014
Supreme Surprise (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
The SCOTUS has caused quite a din
Over gay marriage rights. Is it sin
Or just fine for the states
To say gays can be mates?
Its response is “We shouldn’t mix in.”
Tags: Gay Marriage, Gays, Homosexuality Satire, Judicial Review Humor, Judiciary Humor, Legal Humor, Same Sex Marriage, SCOTUS, Supreme Court Humor, Supreme Court Limerick
Posted in Gay Rights, Gender Politics, Judiciary Satire, Law Satire, Legal Limericks, Political Limericks, Supreme Court | Comments Off on Supreme Surprise (Limerick)
Monday, April 21st, 2014
I just love Jeff Greenfield’s take on the “Baby Clinton Madness.” I’m referring, of course, to all the nonsensical opinionating about its effect (or non-effect) on Hillary Clinton’s presumed presidential candidacy.
Infantile Pundits Give Birth To More Wind (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
OMG! Chelsea Clinton’s with child!
Watch political gas-bags go wild,
As they mindlessly mine
Its effects and opine.
Yes, those pundits are rightly reviled.
Tags: Chelsea Clinton, Election Humor, Election Punditry, Hillary Clinton, Jeff Greenfield, Media Humor, Oval, Political Candidates, Political Commentator, Presidential Election, Pundits, Sunday Gasbags, White House
Posted in Campaign Humor, Election Satire, Feminism Humor, Gender Politics, Hillary Clinton, Media Satire, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Punditry Humor, White House | Comments Off on Infantile Pundits Give Birth To More Wind (Limerick)
Tuesday, April 8th, 2014
How NOT To Woo Women Voters (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
We women are “whiners,” they bray.
We “lie” that there’s “no equal pay.”
That’s the GOP line,
And it suits me just fine:
On Election Day, gals get their say.
Tags: Clueless Republicans, Equal Pay Humor, Gender Gap Humor, Pay Inequity, Voting Limerick, Wooing Women
Posted in Campaign Humor, Election Satire, Feminism Humor, Gender Politics, GOP Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Voting Satire | 2 Comments »
Monday, March 10th, 2014
Purported feminist Sheryl Sandberg was apparently so traumatized by being called “bossy” as a girl, that she wants that epithet banned. She claims it impedes the will to become a leader.
So publicity hound “feminist” advocate Sandberg, having moved on from her “lean in” tripe, “is launching a public service campaign aimed at getting rid of the word ‘bossy.'” Hey, priorities are priorities.
Here’s Facebook COO Sandberg discussing her project to outlaw what she calls “the other B-word:”
This is a very negative experience for girls, if you look at my childhood, if you look at the childhood of most of the leaders we talked to, they lived through being told they were bossy,” Sandberg said. “And it has such a strongly female, and such a strongly negative connotation, that we thought the best way to raise awareness was to say, “This isn’t a word we should use. Let’s start encouraging girls to lead.”
Now, that’s some fascinating logic: Female leaders were so traumatized by being called “bossy” when they were young, that they were discouraged from leading. And so they became … leaders?!?
Hmmmm… Instead of banning the word “bossy” as applied to girls, perhaps we should make it compulsory.
Limerick Ode To Bossy Sheryl Sandberg
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Sheryl Sandberg has made a demand
That the adjective “bossy” be banned.
Here’s the thrust of her screed:
Girls called “bossy” won’t lead.
Ain’t simplistic analysis grand?
Tags: Bossy, Education Humor, Feminist, Feminist Limerick, Gender, Girls, Leadership Humor, Sexism, Sheryl Sandberg, Simplistic Solutions, Workplace
Posted in Education Limerick, Feminism Humor, Gender Politics, Leadership Humor, Political Limericks, Women's Rights | Comments Off on Limerick Ode To Bossy Sheryl Sandberg
Thursday, December 5th, 2013
According to a Politico story, Republicans pols and staffers are being given remedial sensitivity training to avoid further Todd Akin-style gaffes and to contend with the party’s gender gap.
Those Sensitive Republicans
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Republicans, fearful of gaffes,
Are coaching both Congress and staffs
How to talk to a dame.
(Non-offense is their aim.)
How ’bout policy change, just for laughs?
Tags: Feminism, Gender Gap Humor, GOP Humor, Politico, Republican War On Women, Republicans Humor, Todd Akin
Posted in Congress Humor, Feminism Humor, Gender Politics, GOP Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor | 11 Comments »
Thursday, July 25th, 2013
Will Femia, over at MaddowBlog, has challenged us to a “good old-fashioned marriage equality limericking bee.” Here’s my contribution:
Limerick Ode To Same Sex Marriage
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Same sex couples are quick to endorse
The spread of gay marriage, of course.
But the happiest folks
Are THESE women and blokes:
Hungry lawyers who handle divorce.
Tags: Divorce, Gay Marriage, Homosexuality Satire, Lawyers, Legal Humor, Legal Satire, Maddowblog, Marriage Equality, Rachel Maddow, Will Femia
Posted in Gay Rights, Gender Politics, Homophobia, Law Satire, Legal Limericks, Legislation Humor, Political Limericks | 3 Comments »
Friday, June 28th, 2013
Ohio State Sen. Nina Turner’s proposed bill regulating men’s reproductive health inspired this multi-verse limerick:
A Modest Men’s Reproductive Health Reg Proposal (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Dear Republican men who insist
On controlling gals’ bodies, we’re pissed.
Since what’s good for the goose
(It’s plain to deduce)
Suits the gander, I’ve drawn up this list:
Viagra henceforth is restricted
To those who can prove they’re afflicted
Via sex partner swearing
You’re impotent, sharing
Your plight through oath uncontradicted.
You must also sex therapy seek
To help you reach sexual peak.
And we’ll force you to take
A stress test, you rake,
And prove that your heart isn’t weak.
In addition, your doc must advise you
About celibacy and apprise you
It’s a “viable choice.”
Yes your doc must give voice
To your options, cuz some may surprise you.
Only then, will the state let your doc
Prescribe any meds for your cock.
After counsel advising
Of side effects rising
From ED pills — nothing to mock.
From then on, you’ll be monitored too
To make sure that your heart ain’t askew.
You’ll be checked and re-tested.
The state is invested
In protecting you guys when you screw.
If you think that such regs are intrusive,
Insulting, and even abusive,
All these rules don’t compare
To what women must bear:
Female freedom is gravely elusive.
Tags: Abortion Rights, Birth Control Limerick, ED, Erectile Dysfunction, Feminism, Feminist Limerick, Gender Humor, Gender Inequality, GOP Humor, Health Satire, Impotence Humor, Legislation Humor, Men's Health, Nina Turner, Ohio, Reproductive Health Humor, Reproductive Rights, Republicans Humor, Viagra Humor, Women's Health
Posted in Abortion Rights, Birth Control Humor, Constitution Humor, Feminism Humor, Gender Politics, GOP Humor, Health Satire, Legislation Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Wingnuts | 19 Comments »
Wednesday, March 27th, 2013
Most experts seem to think the U.S. Supreme Court will strike down DOMA, thereby ending the federal ban on benefits to gay spouses. The question is: Will they do it based upon equal protection, or states’ rights? The former (seemingly supported by the four liberal Supremes) is vastly preferable, but the later appears more likely; the perennial swing judge, Justice Anthony Kennedy, is more of a states’ rights kinda guy.
Limerick Ode To DOMA’s Demise
By Madeleine Begun Kane
I’m GLAD to hear DOMA’s in trouble.
But will Justices safe in their bubble
Concede that it’s wrong,
Beat the gong, say so long
To treating gay couples like rubble?
Tags: Constitution Verse, Defense Of Marriage Act, DOMA, Equal Protection, Gay Marriage, Gay Rights, Homophobes, Justice Anthony Kennedy, Law Satire, Legal Humor, Marriage Equality, Same Sex Marriage, States Rights, Supreme Court Limerick
Posted in Constitution Humor, Gay Rights, Gender Politics, GOP Humor, Government Services, Homophobia, Law Satire, Legal Limericks, Legislation Humor, Minority Rights Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Supreme Court | 2 Comments »
Thursday, January 10th, 2013
I have nothing against white guys. (Some of my best husbands are white guys.) But President Obama’s second term appointments are really starting to annoy me.
White House Diversity’s Owed (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Where’s Obama’s diversity minder–
His “qualified female” staff finder?
He’s named white guys galore
To positions top-drawer.
Perhaps he should borrow Mitt’s binder.
Tags: Barack Obama, Binders, Binders Full Of Women, Diversity Satire, Employment, Feminism Humor, Feminist Limerick, Gender Humor, Gender Inequality, Mitt Romney, Qualified Females, Sexism, White House, Workplace
Posted in 44 Humor, Barack Obama, Feminism Humor, Gender Politics, Mitt Romney Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Social Satire, White House | 2 Comments »
Thursday, October 18th, 2012
Shadowy Mitt Romney (With Apologies To Robert Louis Stevenson)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
I have a little binder that is filled with clever gals,
But what can be the use of them — I’ll have to ask my pals.
They are very, very diff’rent. They are poor, and I am rich.
And I make them jump before me. They refuse, then they’re a bitch.
The funniest thing about them is the way they do their jobs.
Not at all like proper workers, such as Teds and Gregs and Bobs.
And they sometimes shoot up taller while they’re asking for a raise.
But to me they’re always little, barely worth my regal gaze.
They haven’t got a notion of how peons ought to work.
I can always make a fool of them — my second-fav’rite perk.
They long to stay beside me. But I wonder if they’re dykes.
Yet they shamefully leave early. They must feed their spouse and tykes.
One morning very early, before the sun was up
I rose and said, “You’re fired!” Why? They never made me sup.
Then I found another binder to replace those vacant spots:
A tome that’s filled with women — desp’rate feminine have-nots.
(Related Post: Limerick Ode To Lady-Filled Binders)
(Linked at DVerse Poets Pub)
Tags: Binders, Binders Full Of Women, Campaign Humor, Debate Humor, Election Satire, Employment, Gender Humor, Gender Inequality, Massachusetts, Mitt Romney, My Shadow, Political Parody, Robert Louis Stevenson, Sexism, Workplace
Posted in Campaign Humor, Debate Humor, Election Satire, Feminism Humor, Gender Politics, GOP Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Social Satire | 11 Comments »
Wednesday, October 17th, 2012
The oddest line of last night’s presidential debate has to be Mitt Romney’s “binders full of women.”
Romney used that phrase when responding to a question about gender inequality in the workplace: He claimed that he’d proactively solicited such binders in order to staff his cabinet with women.
“…we took a concerted effort to go out and find women who had backgrounds that could be qualified to become members of our cabinet.
“I went to a number of women’s groups and said, ‘Can you help us find folks,’ and they brought us whole binders full of women.”
Even if Mitt’s claim were true, which apparently it isn’t, this begs the question: Was Romney the Massachusetts Governor … or running an escort service?
Limerick Ode To Lady-Filled Binders
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Romney goes through his life wearing blinders
And surrounded by yes-men and minders.
I suppose this explains
Why Romney’s campaign’s
So proud of his women-filled binders.
Tags: Binders, Binders Full Of Women, Campaign Humor, Debate Humor, Election Satire, Employment, Gender Humor, Gender Inequality, Massachusetts, Mitt Romney, Sexism, Workplace
Posted in Barack Obama, Campaign Humor, Debate Humor, Election Satire, Feminism Humor, Gender Politics, GOP Humor, Mitt Romney Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Social Satire, White House | 7 Comments »
Tuesday, April 17th, 2012
I’ve been trying to ignore the whole Hilary Rosen controversy. The one where Republicans use a stupid remark made by a CNN contributor to get everyone to stop talking about the Republican war on women.
Somehow, one person’s foolish remark is supposed to mean that President Obama and his fellow Dems diss stay-at-home moms:
The presidential campaign was consumed this week by controversy over Ann Romney and stay-at-home moms. Republicans seized on a stray comment by CNN contributor Hilary Rosen, who said Ann Romney had “never worked a day in her life.” Romney responded to the Rosen comments in a speech to the National Rifle Association on Friday, saying, “I happen to believe that all moms are working moms.”
But earlier this year, Romney said this on the topic of welfare:
“I wanted to increase the work requirement,” Romney said. “I said, for instance, that even if you have a child two years of age, you need to go to work. And people said, ‘Well that’s heartless,’ and I said ‘No, no, I’m willing to spend more giving daycare to allow those parents to go back to work. It’ll cost the state more providing that daycare, but I want the individuals to have the dignity of work.’” (emphasis added)
So apparently, raising children is dignified work only when done by wealthy gals like Ann Romney.
Mommy Madness (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Mitt Romney and Ann like to bitch
That the Dems have thrown moms down the ditch.
Yet Romney’s the jerk
Who said child care ain’t work,
Unless done by a mommy who’s rich.
Tags: Ann Romney, Campaign Humor, CNN, Dignity, Election Satire, Feminism Humor, Gender Humor, Hilary Rosen, Mitt Romney, Mothers, Republican War On Women, Stay-At-Home Moms, Welfare, Work Humor, Working Moms
Posted in Campaign Humor, Feminism Humor, Gender Politics, GOP Humor, Mitt Romney Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor | Comments Off on Mommy Madness (Limerick)
Wednesday, March 7th, 2012
Tomorrow, March 8, is International Women’s Day. So I thought I’d celebrate with a limerick:
International Women’s Day Limerick
By Madeleine Begun Kane
U.S. women are under attack.
We’ve gone backwards, alas and alack.
Our plight is irrational.
Mark International
Women’s Day — Get off our back!
(Related Post: Limerick Ode To International Women’s Day)
Tags: Celebrations Poetry, Feminism Humor, Gender Humor, Holiday Humor, International Women's Day, March Holidays, Women Verse
Posted in Feminism Humor, Gender Politics, General Humor, Holidays Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Social Satire, Women's Rights | 8 Comments »
Tuesday, February 7th, 2012
Karen Handel has resigned from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast-cancer charity. And Handel, a major architect of Komen’s stop-funding-Planned-Parenthood PR disaster, didn’t go sotto voce:
Karen Handel’s Dissonant Departure From Komen (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Sweet music — Ms. Handel’s resigned,
While wailing that SHE’s been maligned:
Blaming HER’s prejudicial,
The ousted official
Complained, leaving bedlam behind.
Tags: Abortion Rights, Breast Cancer, Charity Satire, Family Planning, Health Humor, Karen Handel, Planned Parenthood, Republicans Humor, Resignation, Susan G Komen, Women's Health
Posted in Abortion Rights, Family Values Humor, Feminism Humor, Gender Politics, Health Satire, Political Limericks, Wingnuts | Comments Off on Karen Handel’s Dissonant Departure From Komen (Limerick)
Tuesday, May 31st, 2011
I never thought I’d say this, but spam can be enlightening.
I’m referring to a recent spam flurry promoting home abortion kits. And we have Republicans to thank for this disturbing trend. After all, newly empowered Republicans have been targeting abortion rights in a big way. And at the state level they’ve been very successful at severely limiting women’s reproductive rights.
Who knew that when Republicans claimed to be pro-small business, they were talking about abortion kit scam artists?
That brings me to my latest limerick:
This Spam’s An Abortion
By Madeleine Begun Kane
A new (to me) flavor of scam
Came by email for gals in a jam.
Yes, a legal cascade
Against Roe versus Wade
Has inspired abortion kit spam.
Tags: Abortion Rights, Comment Spam, Family Planning, Feminism Humor, Feminist Limerick, Gender Humor, Home Abortion Kits, Legal Satire, Legislation Humor, Reproductive Rights, Republicans Humor, Roe v. Wade
Posted in Abortion Rights, Family Values Humor, Feminism Humor, Gender Politics, Law Satire, Legal Limericks, Legislation Humor, Political Limericks, Republicans Humor, Wingnuts | 10 Comments »
Monday, January 31st, 2011
In case you’ve been wondering what Sharron Angle’s been up to, I’ve got the answer: Senator Harry Reid’s former Republican challenger is giving speeches about makeup.
Yes, it’s hard to believe, but true. On January 21st, Angle spoke at a makeup convention in Las Vegas. Here’s how SeneGence International’s promotional material described Angle’s talk:
Sharron will be sharing her beauty and makeup challenges during the campaign and how she overcame them! She had confidence that she would look great with 14 -16 hour days & with numerous appearances daily… so can you!
And that brings me to my latest limerick:
Sharron Angle — You Can’t Make This Up
By Madeleine Begun Kane
I vowed that I never would mention
Sharon Angle again — gives me tension.
But I just can’t resist
Her last gig which I missed:
A speech at a makeup convention.
Tags: Harry Reid, Las Vegas Convention, Makeup, Nevada, Sharron Angle, Speeches
Posted in Gender Politics, GOP Humor, Harry Reid, Nevada Humor, Political Limericks, Political Speeches, Republicans Humor, Wingnuts | 4 Comments »
Tuesday, September 21st, 2010
When it comes to sexism posing as a compliment, I try to cut Harry Reid’s generation some slack. But Senator Reid really ought to know better:
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had an unusual form of praise for New York’s junior senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, this morning at the fundraiser Mayor Bloomberg hosted for him at his townhouse – referring to her as “the hottest member” as she sat just a few feet away, according to three sources.
The comment prompted Gillibrand to turn red, according to the sources, and created a bit of stir among the small crowd there.
That leads me to my latest limerick:
Harry Reid’s Not So Hot Remark
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Kirsten Gillibrand’s hot says Sen. Reid —
The Sen’s “hottest member,” indeed.
Now I know Harry’s old,
And I don’t mean to scold,
But that “compliment’s” sexist. Take heed.
Here’s more on subtle sexism, including my Gender At Work essay. (Gender at Work, under the name My Most Attractive Adversary, is the lead Gender Gap chapter essay in a pair of college textbooks by Gary Goshgarian: The Contemporary Reader and Readings For Today.)
Tags: Compliments, Feminist Limerick, Gary Goshgarian, Gender Humor, Harry Reid, Kirsten Gillibrand, Sexist Humor, Subtle Sexism
Posted in Appearance Humor, Feminism Humor, Gender Politics, Harry Reid, Kirsten Gillibrand, New York Politics, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Speeches, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Senate Satire, Washington | 3 Comments »
Thursday, March 18th, 2010
Have you heard about the Bible-based Christian S & M cult? Of course, CDD (Christian Domestic Discipline) doesn’t consider itself an S & M cult, but it sure as hell sounds like one:
Just when I think I have seen it all, I stumble upon something called Christian Domestic Discipline (CDD) marriage, a rising trend in conservative Christian households. A CDD marriage, for the uninitiated, is “marriage is one in which one partner is given authority over the other, and has the means to back up that authority, usually by spanking.” And, of course, that one partner with authority is always the man…
That brings me to my latest limerick:
Religion Hits Bottoms
By Madeleine Begun Kane
CDD is an odd Christian fad
For punishing wives when they’re “bad.”
Is it weird? Just a smidgeon.
They call this religion:
Spousal ass spanking. Gals, you’ve been had.
Related Post:
I Won’t Graciously Submit To Mike Huckabee
Tags: Bible Humor, CDD Marriage, Christian Domestic Discipline, Conservative Christianity, Domestic Violence, Feminist Satire, Marriage Satire, Religion Satire, S & M, Spanking Humor, Traditional Marriage
Posted in Family Values Humor, Feminism Humor, Gender Politics, Political Limericks, Religious Satire | Comments Off on Religion Hits Bottoms
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009
This feminist is furious over the abortion-coverage-banning Stupak Amendment to the House health care reform bill. And no, Stupak isn’t a Hyde Amendment-equivalent. It’s the Hyde Amendment on steroids.
I’ve never been a third party-proponent. But Stupak’s inclusion in the House bill shows such disregard and disdain for women’s reproductive rights, that a progressive, pro-choice third party is starting to sound very attractive.
I suppose I must rise out of my Stupak stupor and write a limerick:
Stewing Over Stupak
By Madeleine Begun Kane
The Blue Dogs by using extortion
Have effectively outlawed abortion:
Turned the health reform bill
Into “pro-lifer” swill.
Must reverse this, or Democrats’ corps shun.
Tags: Abortion Coverage, Anti-Abortion Democrats, Blue Dogs, Feminist Satire, Health Reform, Reproductive Rights, Stupak Amendment
Posted in Abortion Rights, Bart Stupak, Feminism Humor, Gender Politics, Health Satire, House Satire, Law Satire, Legal Limericks, Legislation Humor, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire | 3 Comments »
Infantile Pundits Give Birth To More Wind (Limerick)
Monday, April 21st, 2014I just love Jeff Greenfield’s take on the “Baby Clinton Madness.” I’m referring, of course, to all the nonsensical opinionating about its effect (or non-effect) on Hillary Clinton’s presumed presidential candidacy.
Infantile Pundits Give Birth To More Wind (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
OMG! Chelsea Clinton’s with child!
Watch political gas-bags go wild,
As they mindlessly mine
Its effects and opine.
Yes, those pundits are rightly reviled.
Tags: Chelsea Clinton, Election Humor, Election Punditry, Hillary Clinton, Jeff Greenfield, Media Humor, Oval, Political Candidates, Political Commentator, Presidential Election, Pundits, Sunday Gasbags, White House
Posted in Campaign Humor, Election Satire, Feminism Humor, Gender Politics, Hillary Clinton, Media Satire, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Punditry Humor, White House | Comments Off on Infantile Pundits Give Birth To More Wind (Limerick)