Former President Donald Trump’s remarks toward female journalists during recent press interactions have reignited discussions about gender-based sexism in political discourse. On a flight to Mar-a-Lago, Trump referred to a female reporter as “piggy” when pressed about the Epstein files, prompting reactions that ranged from mild outrage to a general sense of desensitization to such comments. Interestingly, neither Democrats nor Republicans in political circles publicly condemned his comment, with the only notable critique coming from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who responded with satirical memes.
Experts argue that Trump’s behavior exemplifies a broader and alarming trend of hostile sexism, a belief system that not only disparages women but also correlates with the acceptance of political violence. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, an expert in extremism and the author of “Man Up: The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism,” pointed out that such hostile sexist attitudes serve as a “Trojan horse” for authoritarianism, undermining democracy by targeting women’s rights.
Miller-Idriss warned that historically, disempowering women has been a tactic to destabilize democratic societies. She noted the simplicity of this tactic: belittle, disparage, remove rights, and keep women out of public life. This sentiment is echoed in a recent UC Davis study, which indicated that individuals with hostile sexist beliefs are significantly more likely to justify political violence. The research highlighted that MAGA Republicans, in particular, were found to endorse violence at a higher rate compared to their non-MAGA counterparts.
The implications of these attitudes can be seen across various political and social landscapes, from the perception of women in military leadership roles to the restrictive measures imposed on reproductive rights. As the far-right rhetoric continues to thrive, it normalizes a culture that glorifies misogyny and creates an environment where violence against women is trivialized.
Reports of Trump’s disparaging comments towards female journalists are part of a concerning pattern, particularly when one considers his recent interactions where he deemed another female reporter “insubordinate” for her questioning. This pattern not only exposes an institutionalized sexism but also poses a threat to democracy itself, as it suggests that dissent, especially from women, should be stifled.
Acknowledging and addressing these troubling attitudes is essential to safeguarding women’s rights and maintaining a functional democratic society. Without a concerted effort to combat this toxic rhetoric, the risks extend beyond individual interactions and threaten the integrity of the political landscape as a whole. As we continue to navigate this terrain, it is imperative to remain vigilant against the normalization of discrimination and commit to fostering an inclusive environment for all.