The other day on Power and Politics, Evan Solomon discussed sexism in the House of Commons. This was in response to accusations by opposition members that when women stand to speak in the House, they are shouted down even louder than when a man stands up. Shocking! Predictably, the panel discussion didn’t get anywhere as this isn’t a new story – nothing has changed over the years. Ironically, this new CBC political program, discussing sexism, is a replacement show for Don Newman, who everyday for many years, with his dervlish masculinity, opened up his show with the famous lines, “Welcome to the BROADcast”.

I will never forget the episode when Newman had a very animated female MP from Quebec on the show, and for some odd reason the CBC cameraman zoomed in and out on the gap in her front teeth. She was large, wore blue eyeshadow and red lipstick. She was no Madonna. It was obviously no technical accident as a CBC cameraman on that show has as much seniority and skill as Santa does on Christmas.

Sexism is everywhere and media is not exempt. Exempt? Media, that great social mirror, is so guilty of sexism in such subtlety it’s as bad as racism in this country. Most pockets of media – public and private, print and broadcast – have less women than men and in some cases, no women, in front, behind, in senior or other roles. If this isn’t true, you can call me a ranting feminist.

Sadly, a woman’s opinion or independent strong voice is dead in the private sector. Name me one female right wing talk show radio host in Canada (no doctors or love specialists qualify). On the other side, watch CBC and the dynamics between Rosemary Thompson and other male or senior mothercorp staff. Her submissiveness and unprofessional girl-like candor is becoming her trademark. I am glad they gave her a make-over before the redo of CBC because she wouldn’t have made it as a “journalist” without it. I once had a conversation with the local news director of a television station who was just fired. He told me most women are hired because they have big, beautiful…eyes. He laughed.

Why didn’t Susan Bonner become the new owner of Newman’s old seat? Better yet, is there no one younger, smarter, capable, or female that could have replaced Newman instead of Solomon? Apparantly not, because younger, smarter, more articulate, passionate women aren’t hired anywhere, in equal numbers to our male contemporaries. And that’s the way men in power prefer it. If media can’t lead the way, who else will follow?

Okay, I digress. Sexism is not as bad as regurgitated, unionized employees of the CBC hosting yet another stale offering or CNN wannabe. I guess I should be happy it’s Evan Solomon replacing Newman and not Ralph Benmergi! See what women have to settle for in this world. psft.

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Tags: cbc, house of commons, Media, sexism

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