Prime Minister David Cameron was on BBC television at the weekend, telling Andrew Marr that he was sorry for the ‘sexist’ comments he made on not one but two occasions.
Some six months after the events, the PM said that he “deeply regrets” causing offence, and that the comments made in the House of Commons just “came out wrong and caused the wrong impression”.
In case you don’t remember, in April, Cameron told shadow chief secretary to the Treasury Angela Eagle to “calm down dear”, echoing Michael Winner’s catchphrase of an advertising campaign some years back. Incidentally, Michael Winner was one of the first to rush to Cameron’s defence, describing Harriet Harman as a politically correct “lunatic” in the same sitting.
Also in April, Cameron suggested that controversial Conservative MP Nadine Dorries was “extremely frustrated”.
His rather late apology also featured in the Sunday Times, where he confirmed something we’re fairly sure he’s never been accused of: “What I find frustrating is that I'm not a sort of 'All right, luv, I'm down at the pub tonight' whatever. That's not me. But obviously I've come across in this way…" Cameron down the pub?
So, can seemingly patronising, belittling, patriarchal comments really just accidentally tumble out?
Should a man with his finger on the nation’s biggest buttons be able to excuse ‘sexism’ as a foolish fumble, and should we be happy that he can tie himself up so cringingly when under pressure?
On the other hand, does a family man with an independent professional wife and a clutch of powerful females in his employ showcase enough of a progressive attitude through action, rather than words? And, in the jostling, insult-slinging environment of the Commons, is a winky put down just par for the course?
In short, does Cameron’s apology cut it?
[YouTube]Watch the video of the apology to “women”.
(pics: 'ukhomeoffice' on Flickr, 'Supermac1961' on Flickr)
About Holly Seddon
Holly Seddon is a writer, editor and community consultant and helped launched the community for Adoption UK, which won charity website of the year just 9 months later. She also writes a music blog.
Amanda
Wednesday 5th of October 2011
It's symptomatic of the endemic sexism within Parliament, but particularly within the Tory party. Their public sector massacre has led to unprecedented levels of female unemployment, and we've also been hit by cuts to child benefit and tax credits, and the change in the pension age. The new jobs they're talking about creating in the housing sector (IF they happen) will largely benefit men. Coupled with high childcare costs, women are being forced out of work. Cameron is basically rewinding to the 1950s when the man worked and the woman stayed at home looking after the kids. So, yeah, he's sexist, and no matter how much he 'apologises' it's written all the way through him like a stick of Brighton rock, and trying to blame it on some working class stereotype is a pretty cynical thing to do.
Holly Seddon
Tuesday 4th of October 2011
Oooh Heather, that is such a good point about his off the cuff remark exhibiting stereotypical assumptions about working class blokes in the pub.
Heather
Tuesday 4th of October 2011
The man is, as someone said earlier, completely out of touch with reality so why are we even remotely surprised that he's coming out with jaded and frankly pathetic comments (although presumably he thought amusing - jeez!). He's had a cossetted upbringing in the world of Eton before moving on (rather unimaginatively I must say) to Oxford. Rich wife, rich friends - he's not a 'bloke down the pub' he's a posh member of elite private members clubs who all live in the past. In fact, his insult is not so much to women but to 'blokes down the pub' as his implication is that the ordinary working classes are far more capable of sexism than one such as he. Yeah right! I agree with Billy Connolly. Anyone wanting to be a politician should be automatically banned from becoming one - they're a liability.
Metropolitan Mum
Tuesday 4th of October 2011
Did I miss something? Why is that sexism? In his urge to fit in, he would have most likely said something like 'Give me a break, pal' had Angela Eagle be a man. And I don't see why calling someone 'frustrating' is sexism either. Yes, it's rude, but sexism??
HerMelness Speaks
Monday 3rd of October 2011
Maybe I'm missing something...but just going on the two comments as described above? What is so outrageous? I've heard worse. Telling someone to calm down... and saying that someone is frustrated? Soon politicians won't be able to say a damn thing...oh, wait. How is that a bad thing again? I've confused myself.. On the other hand, rumours of Michael Winner's insensitivity are not greatly exaggerated.