“This is on par with cowards who think a manufactured apology designed to pacify the masses makes up for the underlying issue that women in the United States still have to put up with pigs like Horsey.”
A columnist for the Los Angeles Times came under fire for making degrading remarks about Sarah Huckabee Sanders. In a published article, David Horsey wrote, “By comparison, Sanders looks more like a slightly chunky soccer mom who organizes snacks for the kids’ games. Rather than the fake eyelashes and formal dresses she puts on for news briefings, Sanders seems as if she’d be more comfortable in sweats and running shoes.”
He continued to insinuate that Sanders doesn’t fit the high-heel-wearing beauty criteria set by President Donald Trump for female employees. Upon receiving severe backlash, Horsey issued an apology to Sanders and removed the offending content from his original op-ed.
Since the Hollywood scandal broke and women from all walks of life have come out to speak about sexual harassment and assault, there has been intense scrutiny on the treatment of women with high-profile careers. Horsey’s disturbing article illustrates the notion that a woman is either a sexualized creature in high heels or a “chunky soccer mom.” I wouldn’t call myself a diehard fan of Sarah Huckabee Sanders, but I feel it’s my duty as a woman to address vile statements made against her.
Off the top of my head, I can think of a few things I’d criticize Sarah Huckabee Sanders for, and not one of those things has to do with how she looks.
David Horsey not only attacked her appearance—he insinuated that President Trump only hires beauty queens. The assumption that a woman shouldn’t dress up because of her weight is disgusting. Publicly commenting on the weight of Sarah Huckabee Sanders is completely uncalled for and damaging to women. Of course she wears makeup and dresses; she holds a public position that requires her to appear on camera. While it’s perfectly okay to disagree with the views of the Trump administration, Horsey lost all credibility with his sexist rant.
Naturally, it wasn’t until the public put pressure on Horsey regarding his remarks that he issued an apology and edited his article. This is on par with cowards who think a manufactured apology designed to pacify the masses makes up for the underlying issue that women in the United States still have to put up with pigs like Horsey. But wait, there’s more! This man is a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist. Let that sink in for a minute. This isn’t a person whose public persona would indicate being capable of harsh criticism of women based upon their appearance. This is someone who is supposedly a progressive thinker.
The Trump administration has been the constant target of sexist and misogynistic comments, from attacking Melania Trump’s choice in footwear to making inappropriate jokes about Ivanka’s relationship with her own father. I am of a mind that these women should be taken to task for their professional performances, absolutely. I draw the line at personal attacks on their weight and clothing choices. That isn’t journalism.
The Trump administration has been the constant target of sexist and misogynistic comments, from attacking Melania Trump’s choice in footwear to making inappropriate jokes about Ivanka’s relationship with her own father.
Off the top of my head, I can think of a few things I’d criticize Sarah Huckabee Sanders for, and not one of those things has to do with how she looks. David Horsey needs to be held accountable by the Los Angeles Times for his damaging statements that illustrate his dangerous views toward women.
