Alright, it’s time to get a bit serious here. Bear with me because it’s about to get deep.
Now, I know what most of you are thinking just by reading the title — “Wait. Since when does she write about politics? Isn’t this blog supposed to be about empowering each other and spreading positivity?” In response to that, I’ll tell you right now that this is not a political post. This is not about democrats versus republicans and conservatives against progressives. No, this blog post is about what is right and what is wrong — what is acceptable and what is not.
Now that we have that disclaimer front and center, let’s jump into the question of the hour — should we all aspire to be more like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also referred to as AOC?
To put it simply, yes.
I’m sure most of us have heard about the despicable insults that Representative Ted Yoho (R) hurled at Representative AOC (D). If you haven’t, please allow me to explain the gist of what happened. Representative Ted Yoho put his finger in AOC’s face and called her a “fucking bitch” in front of reporters. I refuse to censor his comment here in this blog post because we need to see the harshness within these two words. He felt comfortable using these words in front of his fellow congressmen and in front of reporters, and this is not okay. Also, AOC didn’t get a warning that these harsh words would be hurled at her, so perhaps not giving you all a warning will help you understand even a small amount of what she might have felt when she heard those words — caught off guard, offended, upset — you name it.
In an inspirational and fiery speech, which you can view here, AOC stated that this situation is not new and that this language has been directed and tossed at her before she even became a congresswoman. She wasn’t going to address the incident initially, and I imagine this is because these words have become all too familiar to her and to most women. I’m sure almost every woman reading this has been called a sexist slur in their lifetime by a man, myself included. However, AOC decided that it was time to take a stand when Yoho made excuses for his comments on national television.
She recognized that being silent means that both his comment and his excuses for them are acceptable, and they are NOT. To all of the men reading this, know that you have a responsibility to not use words like this when talking to or referring to women. Additionally, you have a responsibility to call out your male friends when you hear them using this kind of language. To all of the women reading this, we have a responsibility to be just like AOC. It may be difficult, and it may seem a bit scary, but it is our responsibility to stand up for ourselves when harsh words are used against us. We also have a responsibility to stand up for other women who may be too afraid to say something and to not shame them for feeling afraid.
Your political views are irrelevant here. My political views are irrelevant. We all need to work together to make this world a better and safer place.
I thank Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for standing up for herself and setting a positive example for women like me who have faced this kind of sexist verbal abuse from both men who were strangers and from men who we were close to. Thank you for showing men around the world that this behavior is harmful and will not be tolerated. Thank you for standing up for billions of women around the world who may have never known the importance of speaking up until now. Thank you for showing the world what it means to be unapologetically outspoken.
“Having a daughter does not make a man decent. Having a wife does not make a decent man. Treating people with dignity and respect makes a decent man.”
–Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
I am glad to read and learn more about her. I enjoyed reading this and how you introduced her to us. Thanks!
Thank you, Agnes, for your kind words and for reading!
I am glad she handled herself in a professional manner, but still stuck up for herself. No man has the right to speak to a woman like that regardless of the context. Joking or not. It is not okay especially with those who have cameras on them. I am so glad they caught it on camera. That right there shows his true character. He could not speak to her with facts and logic he had to resort to name-calling.
Thank you, Michele! I’m so glad that they caught it on camera too because it would have been her word against his, and that has a possibility of going either way. His true colors came out that day, and I honestly believe that he should have been punished for his words and behavior. Thank you for reading.
A man’s level of decency is judged by the way he treats others. Women have always been seen as the weaker sex and some are even trying to take it further by relegating them to the background. We need more women like Alexandria to put men like that in their rightful place.
Yes! No longer will we stay silent or fade into the background! We will stand tall, front and center, and demand that we’re treated with respect. Love this comment. Thank you for reading!
Quite honestly, what’s going on in the US is not understandable anymore. When I was there, I found people quite cool and friendly. What I’ve seen in – very different – media lately is beyond rude and horrible. Where are you guys going?!
I honestly wish I could tell you what the heck is going on here, but I don’t understand it myself. I’m glad that your experience was great when you visited, but we surely do have so much to work on in this country. Thank you for reading!
Yoho acted disrespectfully towards a fellow congressman. I may not like her personally but she had every right to defend herself against the disrespect and more people (both men and women) should do that. Age, gender, race should not give other an excuse to be disrespectful to you.
I agree with you, and that’s why I wanted to write this post. Regardless of our political affiliations and our stance towards certain politicians, we can all agree that Yoho’s behavior was unacceptable. Thank you so much for reading.
I’m glad she chose to stand up for herself and set a positive example for all women. This kind of behaviour just shouldn’t be excepted under any circumstances. I also think us mothers who have sons, should start at an early age teaching them to treat women with respect.
Yes, yes, yes! All mothers who have sons should teach them how to respect both women and other men, and while we’re on the subject, it’s also important to teach them as they get older how to respect a woman’s body and their choice to say, “No.” That’s something that I think doesn’t get taught as much as it should. Thanks so much for reading!
I do believe in respecting others regardless of their statuses in life. Often some people in higher positions have no manners and don’t know how to treat others respectfully. More power to women that know their worth and don’t take disrespect from others
Exactly! There’s that saying that you’re supposed to treat a janitor with the same amount of respect as a CEO, and I think it’s important to adhere to. It costs nothing to be kind and respectful. Thank you so much for reading!
We might disagree on certain beliefs and topics but giving disrespectful action towards others is something that is not acceptable. Good for her on standing up for herself and putting disrespectful men to their right place.
Right, and that was my whole point in writing this. We may have different political views or even similar political views. However, we all should be in agreement that this cannot be tolerated and accepted. Thanks for reading!
Good to know Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , great woman indeed. Very right though, “ treating people with dignity and respect makes a decent man.” … a decent person if may I add.
You’re exactly right. Treating someone with dignity and respect makes you a decent person in general. It’s important that we understand that women need to treat others with respect too. Thanks for reading!
How indecent! No man should ever speak like this to any women.
I agree 100%. We have to set an example and stand up for ourselves so that other women just like us and even the next generation can see that this cannot and will not be tolerated. Thanks for reading!
It’s about time that these things didn’t happen anymore. How awful but good for her for standing her ground!
Yes, she inspired me to no longer tolerate any amount of sexist and even racist comments that come my way. I hope she did the same for you! Thanks for reading!
The fact that he felt comfortable abusing the opposite sex itself makes it clear as to the kind of mindset the other male congressmen hold. This is a mindset problem.
I definitely agree with this wholeheartedly. It makes me fearful that men will never view women as equals. Thank you so much for reading.
That is not acceptable and yet in front of the reporters. Thank you for sharing this with the world and every woman should be treated with respect.