Women: How would you feel if you were publicly referred to as "masturbation material"

[FedUpWithIt All]

I realize that anyone can post in this poll and so it may not be a true representation of only women's views. Please, if you don't mind, follow with a comment so we can get a real sense of the issue from a female perspective.

I personally feel that such a comment is disrespectful in the least.


It seems my question is being misunderstood.


There are a lot of responses about it being used toward Sarah Palin. I am asking about your feelings if it were used publicly, by a random person, about you personally.

[closeupready]

1. As a gay man, can I ask this:

Can you give some context to this question? I mean, you're not saying, if you walk into a gathering of people and are introduced to strangers by your spouse as "masturbation material", so please, what are you referring to? Thanks.

[blondeatlast]

3. Background:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=290171&mesg_id=290171

[closeupready]

12. Sarah Palin with her winky-wink come hither coquettish schtick, I'm sorry, but

that's how she presents herself.

Generally, no, that language is completely unacceptable. It's probably unacceptable in that case, too, but I just can't feel sorry for Palin, in light of her cutesy act.

[blondeatlast]

2. I would have called out Charles Barkley on his horribly crap question

and refused to answer.

I'm funny that way--I call out the BS when I see it.

[FedUpWithIt All]

9. I suspect that a similar poll asking women if they are offended by the question

"Is ... attractive" would lead to a very different response. A lead in is not always necessary for such comments to be made and i am wondering about the feelings of women regarding the specific comment.

Some seem to think the comment (in general and outside the context of the Morgan situation) is a non issue. I am wondering what percentage of women feel this way.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. I am NOT just a sexual object.

I would be offended, esp. if the comment were made by someone I have zero respect for. And doing it publicly would just be the damn icing on the cake.

It is quite one thing to be a love object. It is quite another thing to be "masturbation material."

:puke:

[emilyg]

22. +++++

[Sedona]

5. That actually happened to me recently, not publicly

It was a private conversation and at 48 years old and recently dumped by my husband of 27 years...

Yeah I was pretty flattered (and pleasantly surprised!)

edited for typos

[Fuzz]

8. Pic please? I'm going to take a nap and I need to get a bit more drowsy.

:sarcasm: :freak:

[FedUpWithIt All]

11. Now what if it was said publically by someone you find offensive or even dislike?

Would that change your feelings about the comment?

[Myrina]

6. ..y' *know* that's why she's a favorite on Faux etc ...

... the GOP would never have foisted an overweight, plain, ugly, intelligent woman on the country for VP candidate ... she had to be someone all the knuckledraggers could drool over so they'd fall into the cult. She IS masturbation material for all the wingers that adore her, so I fail to see what's wrong with the comment. And yes, I'm female.

[JuniperLea]

10. That's a pretty damn good point!

It's her job description. Huh... hmmm... I'm starting to see this in a whole new light.

Thanks!

[FedUpWithIt All]

13. So such a comment is appropriate for "certain women"?

What about females you personally care for? Still alright?

[Myrina]

24. Yes, I wouldn't be offended it were said about me.

And in fact, it has been. :shrug:

Sometimes we're just too damn sensitive. Sheesh. :eyes:

[JuniperLea]

7. The trading of WTF's is amusing...

But wrong on both counts.

[Bunny]

14. I'm not horribly offended by the comment itself.

I think it's rude, but I'm not horrified by it. I'm more disgusted with the thought, expressed by some, that she somehow 'deserves' to be degraded because she's Republican, she's stupid, she's fill-in-the-blank. In other words, if we don't like her, then being an object for guys to stroke their dicks to is the only thing of value that she has to offer. THAT'S offensive.

To answer your question about me, personally: it's pretty unlikely to ever happen to me, so I have no idea how I would respond, but I don't think I'd see it as flattering.

[HappyMe]

15. I don't care one way or the other.

I'm past getting my undies in a bundle over this kind of thing. There are more important issues.

[Vinnie From Indy]

16. Here's a question for the pearl-clutchers

Please name a comedian, alive or dead, that delivers acceptable, unoffensive comedy material? IS there such a thing as an "unoffensive" comedian?

[Forkboy]

21. Brian Regan

I'm not a pearl clutcher, but he's safe AND hilarious, a rare combination these days. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-JRQXYy9wk

[Dulcinea]

17. I would be creeped out! nt

[CC]

18. Would depend on a lot.

If I was working a regular job that involved a need for comprehension, communication, decision skills and a brain I would be insulted if a co-worker or boss did it. If I had a job that involved showing off my body to its best in order to earn a living, mainly distracting males, it would be OK because well that is the point.

Now if I had a job that should require a brain but I obviously can't cut it that way so I decided to use my looks and sex appeal to con some to over look the empty head I might not like it but I really don't have room to complain. Even more so when I tend to comment negatively on other people, especially on the looks or manners of woman I don't agree with.

Then there is where it is coming from, a basketball player and a comedians' locker room humor is no surprise. I would ignore it. A political columnist that all but said the same thing just in flowery words after a debate, I would be pissed and want an apology. (Rich Lowry anyone?)

Oh that's right, it was OK for Lowry and anyone that pointed out his sexism was a mean old liberal that just hates anyone that like Palin while when Charles Barkley and Tracey Morgan do it they are picking on poor little momma grizzly. Not like Barkley has ever said anything even a tad out of line and we all know how puritanical Morgan is. (Do I really need the :sarcasm: tag for that sentence?)

So though it may be rude or crude, Sarah should get over it and at most use it as an example of what some might say if you use sex to sell yourself or merchandise. You don't see sexy actors whining because they have some fans that might use them as "masturbation material." Comes with the territory.

There is a reason people call Republicans, their talking heads and pundits professional victims. We would have even more to fear if they put half as much work into governing as they do in their pout-rages of victim-hood.

[IcyPeas]

19. I would think it's stupid and roll my eyes, that's all.

[Yavin4]

20. If Someone Asked Mo'Nique: Is Obama Attractive?

And she said, I want to sit on his face. Would that be sexist?

If you ask a shock comedian a leading question, they're going to give you a shocking answer. For Tracy Morgan, his answer was very tame.

[NotThisTime]

23. I'd be offended and I'd tell the offender to F off.... no holds barred