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Comments
Hooray! You heard the man, buy it! Thought Jessica handled his questions about the cover pretty well. Interesting that he picked up on the debate about the cover image.
Thanks so much for posting the clip here! I really wanted to see the show, but it's on waaaaay past my bedtime. Watching it would have required me to function today on about 4 hours of sleep. Not tempting.
Awesome, Jessica! You did beautifully.
I was impressed by how much information you managed to work into such a short segment. You also did a great job dispelling negative stereotypes, not only in what you said, but also just in your presentation--you were relaxed, reasonable, good-humored, funny, and of course, attractive. You made it essentially impossible to attach any of the usual negative labels (humourless, strident, too ugly to get a man, etc.) to you. Congrats!
I think Jessica did really well, and I was very impressed. I don't think many of us could have done so well on the spot. At first, I didn't like the response over the book cover, but after we got into the Girls Gone Wild issue (which she NAILED), I think her position became more clear on how the media should treat a woman's body. I was just beaming to my friends after the show. It was great.
Great interview! Yes, Colbert's comments were annoying and over the top, but that's the schtick on his show. You made your points with grace and humor and gave as good as you got. Bravo!
One question, after listening to the section two or three times, I did not get your response to the various "bomb" comments. You respond, "It's the ________ in me, I can't help it" What is the word I am missing there?
"It's the Queens in me, I can't help it". As in Queens, NY. Colbert joked about it being a drag queen in her, hence the mention of she-males. His comments were over the top but that's Colbert.
My Ottawa Miss G__ ladies and myself stayed up until 12:30pm to catch you ROCK on Colbert last night.
So many people don't "get" how you should act on Colbert (They either try to be funny when they're not or they are too serious). You TOTALLY nailed it.
Great job by Jessica! I think she found a good balance between being funny and keeping the interview on track, which could not have been easy with Colbert all but bouncing off the walls. Very impressive.
You did great, Jessica. I have a feeling that (the real) Colbert has a soft spot for feminists. My daughter watched it with me, noticed the feministing.com scroll they showed at the bottom of the screen, and said, "I know that site. I used it as a reference for my paper on feminism last month!" (She's in High School.) You made many more young fans last night, I'm sure. Good job!
Jessica, you are my hero. You nailed that interview! You were funny, smart, poised, quick, and (as Vervain said) did a fantastic job dispelling stereotypes both by your message and by who you are. Wow.
I bought the book last week at a feminist bookstore (I'd rather give my $$ to them than to one of those big corps) and I was well into chapter 4 when the Colbert Report came on. Brava Jess! If I was myself about 14 years ago, and saw that show, it would have totally changed my views on what a feminist is. And I think that is the purpose of the book, and the interview. Great job!
I stayed up just to see this episode! And I'm glad I did, best interview EVER! You really did an excellent job and I hope this increases awareness and interest in your book. The book is amazing! BUY IT!!!
Awesome interview. You handled him really well, here's hoping that Comedy Central yields a new group of feminists.
Question: Jessica, the media has kind of made you the new face of feminism. I've read about this happening to Gloria Steinem & I remember it happening with Kathleen Hanna. Does this bother you & what do you think can be done about it?
BtW, to be completely shallow, that was an awesome outfit.
I am all for feminism, but in my humble opinion, feminism would make much farther leaps and bounds if two things were to take place. Firstly, treating feminism as a "party-platform" will always detract from the true cause: total equality between the sexes. Women who do not support things like abortion and changing one's name after marriage feel alienated among feminists who parade these branches of feminism as the hard-core root behind the ideal. Secondly, several pieces of feminist literature conveys more of a message of pent-up frustration and whining than a message of empowerment and self-confidence.
Personally, I don't believe that the way Ms. Jessica behaved on the Colbert Report paralleled the more bitter tone of her work.
I honestly would not have been able to easily shrug some of the (mock?) sexist comments off, and I am really amazed at your poise, patience and ability to still stay on track. More, I think it was excellent that you made him stop and think for a moment -- reminding him and the viewers that it's not cool to objectify.
P.S. I finished FFF the night before last and truly found it a valuable read. Great job all around.
PS- Feminism is about CHOICE, not a set-in-stone dogma.
Many feminists look down upon women who CHOOSE a more conservative route. My mother, for example, a novelist, nutritionist, personal-trainer, paralegal, etc. is very often cut down by feminists who scorn her CHOICE to stay at home and raise me and my three siblings.
Besides which, COMPLETE equality would most certainly bring about horrific consequences to women. For example, total equality basically makes it safe to assume that no distinction is made between the sexes, correct? Well, are unisex bathrooms really all that safe? No! Some inequalities are set up in the system to PROTECT women.
"I honestly would not have been able to easily shrug some of the (mock?) sexist comments off,"
I just hope the readers (and watchers of the clip) understand that Stephen Colbert is on our side. He's totally a huge liberal feminist and it's not just his schtick. He does his show to make a point about O'Reilly-type crazies. While I really liked Jessica's interview, I really don't think she 'taught' him anything about objectifying women he didn't already know. He used mock sexist comments so that Jessica can have the opportunity to tell others about why objectifying women is shitty and the effect is has on girls. And I think his strategy works more often than not. There wouldn't be Feminists for Colbert if he seriously dug things like Girls Gone Wild. Just want to clarify as a die-hard Colbert fan :)
Eeeeeee! I was so nervous for you while watching that, Jessica! Much like I've gotten nervous watching a friend's band for the first time or seen a friend act in a play.
But WELL DONE, you! How does one prepare for an interview where one knows they will get ribbed? It was amazing how you always brought the issue back to feminism after Colbert would make his jokey jokes. You didn't stumble over your words or nothin'! Damn. Nice one!
Great job! I agree with simplejewel, above, that it must be hard to walk the line in that show, as the interviewee, and yet you walked it perfectly, even if prettyblackribbon thinks you weren't bitter enough.
Jpjesus, if that was not caustic, then you misinterpreted what I said. As I am pretty sure I made clear in my entire entry, I am not for the part of the embittered feminist. I simply stated the fact that this woman did not behave the way that she portrayed herself in the book. An objective statement, if I've ever heard one.
Jpjesus, if that was not caustic, then you misinterpreted what I said. As I am pretty sure I made clear in my entire entry, I am not for the part of the embittered feminist. I simply stated the fact that this woman did not behave the way that she portrayed herself in the book. An objective statement, if I've ever heard one.
I feel that the author was trying to tone down her personality to sell more books.
I feel that the author was trying to tone down her personality to sell more books.
Yes, that's exactly it. *Cue eye rolling*
I've actually met Jessica & she's really nice & inviting. I met her at the FFF release party--after we were introduced, she saw me standing alone b/c I didn't know anyone there, & introduced me to some people.
Would you rather her be illiterate & inarticulate?
LOL. Moxie, I was thinking the exact same thing! I mean, prettyblackribbon has Schlaffly down perfectly, even brought up the whole unisex bathroom deal. Geez.
P.S. I don't like sharing a bathroom with the boys in which I choose to share one (like my father, brother, male friends, boyfriend, etc.), why would I want to share one with men I don't know? Equality does not boil down to unisex bathrooms no matter how hard you try to make it!
As cute as the Schlafly comments are, I'm not saying I dislike feminisim. I'm actually an ardent member of SDS (which has finally been brought back).. My point was that feminism is about choice, not necessarily die-hard liberalism.
If anything else was misconstrued, that was far beyond the point.
I don't like sharing a bathroom with the boys in which I choose to share one (like my father, brother, male friends, boyfriend, etc.), why would I want to share one with men I don't know? Equality does not boil down to unisex bathrooms no matter how hard you try to make it!
I know! It's like, jebus, the only thing they can come up with is unisex bathrooms. I HATE public bathrooms & will go out of my way looking for a Starbucks b/c they specifically have individual bathrooms. The lines are long but it's worth it to pee without hearing anyone else peeing.
When I think equality between the sexes, the first thing I think of is unisex bathrooms, not, say equal pay for equal work, equal government representation, personal autonomy,etc. *gigglesnort*
Jessica, I posted this at Shakesville in response to the video of your appearance on the Colbert Report. Well done!
Ms. Valenti was great–full of youthful energy but still admirably poised. It’s really, really hard to do press on TV because you want to say so much in such a short period of time, and suddenly there are these cameras aimed at you (as they said in Tootsie, think of them as something friendly, like a firing squad) and everything you wanted to say flies out of your head as this wave of pure terror flows over you. Poise is what determines whether or not you can somehow lift your head above the terror, gasp for air, and carry on a conversation as if speaking in front of millions of people is something you do every day of your life–the most normal thing in the world. And Jessica was very poised. If she was remotely nervous, it didn’t show at all. Brava!
As cute as the Schlafly comments are, I'm not saying I dislike feminisim. I'm actually an ardent member of SDS (which has finally been brought back).. My point was that feminism is about choice, not necessarily die-hard liberalism.
If anything else was misconstrued, that was far beyond the point.
By the way, feminism is also about support of other women's viewpoints. I don't appreciate mine being attacked with little support as opposed to simply, maturely, and respectfully debated.
Yes! Watched it last night, great job! (Which is not easy on the show - many people don't do half as well.) Also, bought the book, stayed up all night reading it, and am currently passing it around to friends who need it. Sorry it's not 'buying them all a copy,' but it's the best I can do.
Yeah, the SDS was great. Didn't one of their leaders in the 60's say that a woman's position in the movement was prone?
Color me impressed when you talk to me about the Wobblies.
By the way, feminism is also about support of other women's viewpoints.
Uhm, if that were the truth, then I'd support all of Condaleeza Rice's viewpoints.
Yeah, I know OF the Wobblies, but seeing as I'm underage -- I have no real reason to join the IWW. I just don't understand why it's such taboo in the world of feminism for a woman to choose to stay at home. That's my only real "beef" with it.
I just don't understand why it's such taboo in the world of feminism for a woman to choose to stay at home.
Have any of us said anything like that? Your mom's experiences don't necessarily represent us. Seriously! So don't try to paint us all with the "Feminists don't support choice" brush, uhmk?
& pretty, I said "support" too. Scroll up.
Condoleeza has a right to her beliefs, as do you, but if either of you say something that stinks I'm going to call you on it.
Oooh, look who's the bitter man-hater now! Seems like prettyblackribbon's argument is that men are all violent, therefore unisex restrooms could never be "safe" for women. Well, I'm a feminist in part because I believe that men are not inherently violent, and that someday women will have no more to fear from men than we do from other women. Not to mention that I've never met a feminist who fights fervently for all restrooms to be unisex.... *snicker*
I liked the comment she inserted every so subtlely about how she is all for women flashing their breasts if it's for themselves-- i.e. if it's really and wholly their choice. In that she is reminding audiences that feminism isn't really questioning stay-at-home moms, strippers, or any other identities/activities, but rather the real basis for choice in those situations.
So, for example, a women should be able to choose to gussy herself up with make-up and clothes of questionable comfort, though the presence of patriarchy, which among other things looks upon women as a sex-class, makes it alot harder to assume that choice.
You were awesome on Colbert. I totally love the part about the abortion ban and the recent Supreme Court decision, Steve looked confused. You plugged your book and spoke for all feminists everywhere. Great job and you should be proud of yourself. Now I can say I met two lovely TV stars, Jennifer Pozner (WAM 2007)and yourself (at Simmons's book signing/speaking event.
I hope your book becomes a best seller! Good luck and thanks.
It is amazing how you can keep so cool and good natured faced with comments like the one about the cover, or the girls gone wild, etc. It is a good thing you are out there talking for us... I could not have done it without losing my temper. So thank you, very much. Congratulations, and may it be the first of many!
Thanks so much for posting this! There are few things I miss about living in the US, but one of them is definitely Comedy Central.
Jessica, you were fantastic! Now I'm going to find out how to buy your book...
Also, I want to add that I am a fierce progressive feminist and, at the same time, I stay home to care for my 3 little girls. The two are not mutually exclusive, and neither wholly define me. I don't think that being a feminist means you can't take up a "traditional" gender role, but a feminist probably wouldn't look at it as a "traditional" role...I don't. I don't choose to stay at home because I think that it's the woman's place, but because I think my children need a full time care giver and nursing babies is easier if you have them right next to you. So, like Jessica said so much better than I can, I stay at home for me and my children, just like it's cool for women to flash their boobies if they're doing it for them and not to please others.
Anyway, I think it's important for young feminists to know that you really can be whatever you want to be and still be a feminist. And, just because we're equal to men doesn't mean we want to use the same bathroom. But what's the big problem if we do? Is that the worst these anti-feminist feminists can come up with? Who here hasn't slipped into the men's room after seeing a long line for the ladies' and no one even in the men's I know I have.
I think feminism is the right to disagree with something too, not just say, because you are a woman, you can say what you like!
And one should be able to stand up for the arrant nonsense they talk, not take refuge in the "You women are picking on a woman"
Way to tell it, snicker snack.
if I ever have kids, which I just don't know yet, I would definitely want to stay at home. Does that make me less of a feminist? No.
Except for when my mum was single, she stayed at home with me & I think that made a big difference. I want to be as big an influence in my children's life, if not bigger influence, than tv & teachers.
prettyblackribbon: Thank you for deciding what feminism is, just so you could speak out against your own imaginary definition. You have no idea what you are talking about, and I find it insulting that you even suggest you could be more educated on the issue than a large group of women who have been involved in feminism for years. We don't need your advice.
In defense of prettyblackribbon, I will say this. She does seem to be young (She said she was underaged).
I was a rabid conservative and antichoice until I was about 15. What changed me was just getting more experience in the world. Plus, I grew up in the 80's & 90's, which wasn't a great time for feminism.
prettyblackribbon, if you want to learn more about what feminism is actually about, I'd reccomend Jessica's book, Fight Like a Girl, & ManifestA.
I don't know about anyone else, but I've actually used unisex bathrooms. At my snooty school in Paris, there was at least one unisex bathroom, and it was the one nearest one of my classrooms.
So I used it, and at no time did I ever feel unsafe. If anything, the people in the unisex bathrooms were more determined than usual to ignore one another to avoid any appearance of inappropriate behavior.
But in any case, unisex bathrooms is hardly the core of feminist thought. Like many issues, different feminists have different opinions on the subject. Hell, a single feminist can have differing opinions on a subject... gasp, just like everybody else!!
Personally, I've never known anyone to blast the choice of mothers to stay home with their children. If anything, feminists want to make that choice easier for women, by mandating reasonable maternity (and paternity!) leaves with guaranteed return to their jobs. Prettyblackribbon mention abortion, too... If people REALLY want to lower the number of abortions performed every year, they could institute programs like universal pre- and post-natal health care, extended maternity leave with assurances that their job will still exist for them when they return, comprehensive sex education, easy access to contraception, subsidized daycare... I could go on.
Ahem. This has all been said before, so I'll just reiterate: Jessica ROCKED on Colbert. She had something intelligent to say to EVERYTHING he could serve up. If she didn't seem bitter, I would hazard a guess it's because she's not. Anger at the way society treats people is NOT the same as bitterness. Didn't you hear her?? Feminism is way cool! I don't know about anyone else, but it's something I'm *excited* about.
That rocked! Jessica, I am sooo glad you did such an awesome job. Now when I'm explaining to my non-feminist friends (read: the ones who are still too frightened by all the bogus stereotypes to identify themselves as the f-word) that feminists aren't scary man-haters, I can point them in the direction of this clip and be like, "See... she's cool, eh?"
Jessica, you did a grand job on the show, I'm so happy I got to see it! I can't say how much of an inspiration you've been to me, there just aren't enough words. Keep up the good work! :D
Fantastic!! So much fun to see a (semi)familiar face on one of my favorite shows. You gave a wow performance.
Re Unisex bathrooms. I would actually be totally a-ok using a unisex bathroom every day for the rest of my life if it meant that all the other gender discrimination went away at the same time. A women doesn't need to be afraid of having men in the same public restrooms if there is no misogyny. Also: shorter restroom lines for the ladies, and no discomfort for our trans brothers and sisters!
Jessica looked great (in all the senses of that phrase) on the show--congrats!
And roro80 totally hit this on the head--if misogyny and violence against women are really made unacceptable, why protest using a unisex bathroom? I had a very interesting discussion with some big-name feminists about this when I was in law school (really about trans- and un-gendered expression and how trans-politics interacts with traditional liberal feminism) and the fear of sexual violence was clearly the elephant in the unisex bathroom. Even fear of people who identify as female--like if it has (or had) a penis, it might attack. Which was very sad to hear from a feminist idol of mine.
Jessica, that was amazing. I just watched the clip online. Halfway through, my teenage brother walked in. He(despite the fact that the women in our family are all feminists) doesn't quite understand what exactly feminism is, and kind of has a negative attitude toward it. When he saw what I was watching, he said, "Oh, I saw that last night! That woman is really cool. I liked that a lot."
Jessica, great job! I got that same t-shirt for my husband a few years back and dared him to wear it to Wal-Mart one night in the podunk town where we lived at the time. Amazingly, he did it. The whole scene was hilarious.
Congrats on the appearance -- you done good, girl!
I would actually be totally a-ok using a unisex bathroom every day for the rest of my life if it meant that all the other gender discrimination went away at the same time.
I second (or third) that as well.
I always think it's interesting that THIS was how Phyllis Schlafly sunk the ERA (that and women's eligibility for the draft). Clearly it taps into people's un-articulated, but deeply held, fears.
And Jessica, let me be the hundredth or so person to congratulate you on holding your own with Colbert and looking like you had a great time (I hope you did, however nervous you were). You said what's possible to say in sound-bite TV. Hope his fans, who are legion, all get turned on to the F-word (the truly awesome one).
I agree with about 81 people before me: Jessica, you rocked. I still hate that kind of sarcastic-maybe-but-how-much "humour" though, but I thought you handled his antagonizing comments fabulously. I know I couldn't have done it, even without the cameras and audience
Comments
Hooray! You heard the man, buy it! Thought Jessica handled his questions about the cover pretty well. Interesting that he picked up on the debate about the cover image.
Posted by: nervous_aesthete![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 07:39 AM
May I just say that Jessica is blisteringly hot...
Posted by: lidsville![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 08:16 AM
Congrats, Jessica, you did a great job.
PS - My boyfriend (the women's studies major) totally has the shirt you gave to Colbert. It's one of my favorite shirts of all time.
Posted by: soupcann314![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 08:33 AM
Is that what you got out of the interview? How about how smart, funny, and generally kick-ass she is. And, her "nice hand shake."
Jess, I think you're ready for the O'Reilly Factor.
Posted by: Jen![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 08:34 AM
Thanks so much for posting the clip here! I really wanted to see the show, but it's on waaaaay past my bedtime. Watching it would have required me to function today on about 4 hours of sleep.
Not tempting.
Awesome, Jessica! You did beautifully.
I was impressed by how much information you managed to work into such a short segment. You also did a great job dispelling negative stereotypes, not only in what you said, but also just in your presentation--you were relaxed, reasonable, good-humored, funny, and of course, attractive. You made it essentially impossible to attach any of the usual negative labels (humourless, strident, too ugly to get a man, etc.) to you. Congrats!
Oh, and the shirt was a nice touch.
Posted by: Vervain![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 08:37 AM
I think Jessica did really well, and I was very impressed. I don't think many of us could have done so well on the spot. At first, I didn't like the response over the book cover, but after we got into the Girls Gone Wild issue (which she NAILED), I think her position became more clear on how the media should treat a woman's body. I was just beaming to my friends after the show. It was great.
Posted by: ikkin![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 08:49 AM
It was interesting...
Jessica took Colbert's ribbing ("hey, nice bod") well, but I got the impression she found them irritating and overdone.
--Projection alert! I found those comments irritating and overdone.--
Posted by: Carson![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 08:51 AM
May I just say that Jessica is blisteringly hot...
Is that all? Well, good for you.
Posted by: ikkin![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 08:54 AM
Jessica, you nailed it. I'm going to buy the book for my daughters.
Posted by: Dono![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 09:06 AM
One of the best serious Colbert interviews I've seen in a long time. You held your own brilliantly. It was funny and interesting and great. Congrats.
Posted by: jaime![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 09:10 AM
Great interview! Yes, Colbert's comments were annoying and over the top, but that's the schtick on his show. You made your points with grace and humor and gave as good as you got. Bravo!
One question, after listening to the section two or three times, I did not get your response to the various "bomb" comments. You respond, "It's the ________ in me, I can't help it" What is the word I am missing there?
Posted by: Apikoros![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 09:24 AM
Jessica, I thought you did a fantastic job last night. Way to go. I still really need to buy and read the book.
Posted by: carolina girl![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 09:26 AM
"It's the Queens in me, I can't help it". As in Queens, NY. Colbert joked about it being a drag queen in her, hence the mention of she-males. His comments were over the top but that's Colbert.
Posted by: larae![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 09:30 AM
Way to stay on message! You repeated your points several times, and even kept your cool with his lame "bod" comment. Congrats!!
Posted by: bettieclem![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 09:33 AM
You handled that interview perfectly! Seriously, you did an excellent job. Now I have to buy your book.
Posted by: Brinny![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 09:41 AM
My Ottawa Miss G__ ladies and myself stayed up until 12:30pm to catch you ROCK on Colbert last night.
So many people don't "get" how you should act on Colbert (They either try to be funny when they're not or they are too serious). You TOTALLY nailed it.
Feminists are 2 for 2 on Colbert now.
Posted by: Simplejewel![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 09:45 AM
Fantastic job, Jessica!! Though I wouldn't have had the self-control to not end up in his lap! Mmmmm, Colbert. ;)
Posted by: Panic![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 09:48 AM
Great job, Jessica! Smart, good natured, and poised.
Posted by: CanIbeafeministtoo?![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 09:58 AM
Great job by Jessica! I think she found a good balance between being funny and keeping the interview on track, which could not have been easy with Colbert all but bouncing off the walls. Very impressive.
Posted by: noname![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 09:59 AM
You did great, Jessica. I have a feeling that (the real) Colbert has a soft spot for feminists. My daughter watched it with me, noticed the feministing.com scroll they showed at the bottom of the screen, and said, "I know that site. I used it as a reference for my paper on feminism last month!" (She's in High School.) You made many more young fans last night, I'm sure. Good job!
Posted by: Susan![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 10:24 AM
Jessica, you are my hero. You nailed that interview! You were funny, smart, poised, quick, and (as Vervain said) did a fantastic job dispelling stereotypes both by your message and by who you are. Wow.
Posted by: arcticwoman![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 10:41 AM
I bought the book last week at a feminist bookstore (I'd rather give my $$ to them than to one of those big corps) and I was well into chapter 4 when the Colbert Report came on. Brava Jess! If I was myself about 14 years ago, and saw that show, it would have totally changed my views on what a feminist is. And I think that is the purpose of the book, and the interview. Great job!
Posted by: emm![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 10:44 AM
I stayed up just to see this episode! And I'm glad I did, best interview EVER! You really did an excellent job and I hope this increases awareness and interest in your book. The book is amazing! BUY IT!!!
Posted by: LindsayPW![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 10:47 AM
Awesome, awesome job last night Jessica! Not like I expected anything less than intelligent, witty, and incredibly poised.
And, since I'm superficial, too--cute shoes!
Posted by: ElleMariachi![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 10:54 AM
Great job!
Posted by: Quinn![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 10:59 AM
Awesome interview. You handled him really well, here's hoping that Comedy Central yields a new group of feminists.
Question: Jessica, the media has kind of made you the new face of feminism. I've read about this happening to Gloria Steinem & I remember it happening with Kathleen Hanna. Does this bother you & what do you think can be done about it?
BtW, to be completely shallow, that was an awesome outfit.
Posted by: Moxie Hart![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 11:04 AM
I am all for feminism, but in my humble opinion, feminism would make much farther leaps and bounds if two things were to take place. Firstly, treating feminism as a "party-platform" will always detract from the true cause: total equality between the sexes. Women who do not support things like abortion and changing one's name after marriage feel alienated among feminists who parade these branches of feminism as the hard-core root behind the ideal. Secondly, several pieces of feminist literature conveys more of a message of pent-up frustration and whining than a message of empowerment and self-confidence.
Personally, I don't believe that the way Ms. Jessica behaved on the Colbert Report paralleled the more bitter tone of her work.
Posted by: prettyblackribbon![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 11:07 AM
Congrats on a job well done Jessica!
I honestly would not have been able to easily shrug some of the (mock?) sexist comments off, and I am really amazed at your poise, patience and ability to still stay on track. More, I think it was excellent that you made him stop and think for a moment -- reminding him and the viewers that it's not cool to objectify.
P.S. I finished FFF the night before last and truly found it a valuable read. Great job all around.
Posted by: bonnieMiami![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 11:08 AM
PS- Feminism is about CHOICE, not a set-in-stone dogma.
Many feminists look down upon women who CHOOSE a more conservative route. My mother, for example, a novelist, nutritionist, personal-trainer, paralegal, etc. is very often cut down by feminists who scorn her CHOICE to stay at home and raise me and my three siblings.
Besides which, COMPLETE equality would most certainly bring about horrific consequences to women. For example, total equality basically makes it safe to assume that no distinction is made between the sexes, correct? Well, are unisex bathrooms really all that safe? No! Some inequalities are set up in the system to PROTECT women.
Posted by: prettyblackribbon![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 11:12 AM
"I honestly would not have been able to easily shrug some of the (mock?) sexist comments off,"
I just hope the readers (and watchers of the clip) understand that Stephen Colbert is on our side. He's totally a huge liberal feminist and it's not just his schtick. He does his show to make a point about O'Reilly-type crazies. While I really liked Jessica's interview, I really don't think she 'taught' him anything about objectifying women he didn't already know. He used mock sexist comments so that Jessica can have the opportunity to tell others about why objectifying women is shitty and the effect is has on girls. And I think his strategy works more often than not. There wouldn't be Feminists for Colbert if he seriously dug things like Girls Gone Wild. Just want to clarify as a die-hard Colbert fan :)
Posted by: ulahoop![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 11:16 AM
Eeeeeee! I was so nervous for you while watching that, Jessica! Much like I've gotten nervous watching a friend's band for the first time or seen a friend act in a play.
But WELL DONE, you! How does one prepare for an interview where one knows they will get ribbed? It was amazing how you always brought the issue back to feminism after Colbert would make his jokey jokes. You didn't stumble over your words or nothin'! Damn. Nice one!
Posted by: String_Bean_Jen![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 11:18 AM
Yay ulahoop for putting that out there!
Posted by: prettyblackribbon![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 11:18 AM
I imagine it's very hard to get your point across amid all that constant yammering by the host, but you did very well. Be proud. Congrats!
Posted by: Vera Venom![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 11:22 AM
Great job! I agree with simplejewel, above, that it must be hard to walk the line in that show, as the interviewee, and yet you walked it perfectly, even if prettyblackribbon thinks you weren't bitter enough.
Posted by: jpjesus![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 11:39 AM
Congrats!!!
Posted by: IrnBru001![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 11:45 AM
Jpjesus, if that was not caustic, then you misinterpreted what I said. As I am pretty sure I made clear in my entire entry, I am not for the part of the embittered feminist. I simply stated the fact that this woman did not behave the way that she portrayed herself in the book. An objective statement, if I've ever heard one.
Posted by: prettyblackribbon![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 11:47 AM
Hey, when did Phyllis Schlaffly get a computer?
Posted by: Moxie Hart![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 11:49 AM
Jpjesus, if that was not caustic, then you misinterpreted what I said. As I am pretty sure I made clear in my entire entry, I am not for the part of the embittered feminist. I simply stated the fact that this woman did not behave the way that she portrayed herself in the book. An objective statement, if I've ever heard one.
I feel that the author was trying to tone down her personality to sell more books.
Posted by: prettyblackribbon![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 11:49 AM
I feel that the author was trying to tone down her personality to sell more books.
Yes, that's exactly it. *Cue eye rolling*
I've actually met Jessica & she's really nice & inviting. I met her at the FFF release party--after we were introduced, she saw me standing alone b/c I didn't know anyone there, & introduced me to some people.
Would you rather her be illiterate & inarticulate?
Posted by: Moxie Hart![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:04 PM
I especially liked the bottom of the screen when you were introduced--"Jessica Rabid".
But really, great job!
Posted by: thathollygirl![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:17 PM
Excellent!
Posted by: ccall![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:18 PM
"Hey, when did Phyllis Schlaffly get a computer?"
LOL. Moxie, I was thinking the exact same thing! I mean, prettyblackribbon has Schlaffly down perfectly, even brought up the whole unisex bathroom deal. Geez.
P.S. I don't like sharing a bathroom with the boys in which I choose to share one (like my father, brother, male friends, boyfriend, etc.), why would I want to share one with men I don't know? Equality does not boil down to unisex bathrooms no matter how hard you try to make it!
Posted by: carolina girl![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:22 PM
Congrats Jessica. Job well done.
Posted by: gorillagogo![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:23 PM
I had trouble logging in yesterday but congrats and great job Jessica. It was awesome to see you on the Colbert Report:)
Posted by: UltraMagnus![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:26 PM
Great job, Jessica.
Posted by: manda![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:29 PM
As cute as the Schlafly comments are, I'm not saying I dislike feminisim. I'm actually an ardent member of SDS (which has finally been brought back).. My point was that feminism is about choice, not necessarily die-hard liberalism.
If anything else was misconstrued, that was far beyond the point.
Posted by: prettyblackribbon![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:29 PM
I don't like sharing a bathroom with the boys in which I choose to share one (like my father, brother, male friends, boyfriend, etc.), why would I want to share one with men I don't know? Equality does not boil down to unisex bathrooms no matter how hard you try to make it!
I know! It's like, jebus, the only thing they can come up with is unisex bathrooms. I HATE public bathrooms & will go out of my way looking for a Starbucks b/c they specifically have individual bathrooms. The lines are long but it's worth it to pee without hearing anyone else peeing.
When I think equality between the sexes, the first thing I think of is unisex bathrooms, not, say equal pay for equal work, equal government representation, personal autonomy,etc. *gigglesnort*
Posted by: Moxie Hart![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:30 PM
Jessica, I posted this at Shakesville in response to the video of your appearance on the Colbert Report. Well done!
Ms. Valenti was great–full of youthful energy but still admirably poised. It’s really, really hard to do press on TV because you want to say so much in such a short period of time, and suddenly there are these cameras aimed at you (as they said in Tootsie, think of them as something friendly, like a firing squad) and everything you wanted to say flies out of your head as this wave of pure terror flows over you. Poise is what determines whether or not you can somehow lift your head above the terror, gasp for air, and carry on a conversation as if speaking in front of millions of people is something you do every day of your life–the most normal thing in the world. And Jessica was very poised. If she was remotely nervous, it didn’t show at all. Brava!
Posted by: litbrit![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:30 PM
As cute as the Schlafly comments are, I'm not saying I dislike feminisim. I'm actually an ardent member of SDS (which has finally been brought back).. My point was that feminism is about choice, not necessarily die-hard liberalism.
If anything else was misconstrued, that was far beyond the point.
By the way, feminism is also about support of other women's viewpoints. I don't appreciate mine being attacked with little support as opposed to simply, maturely, and respectfully debated.
Posted by: prettyblackribbon![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:31 PM
Yes! Watched it last night, great job! (Which is not easy on the show - many people don't do half as well.) Also, bought the book, stayed up all night reading it, and am currently passing it around to friends who need it. Sorry it's not 'buying them all a copy,' but it's the best I can do.
Posted by: stanna![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:34 PM
Yeah, the SDS was great. Didn't one of their leaders in the 60's say that a woman's position in the movement was prone?
Color me impressed when you talk to me about the Wobblies.
Posted by: Moxie Hart![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:36 PM
By the way, feminism is also about support of other women's viewpoints.
Uhm, if that were the truth, then I'd support all of Condaleeza Rice's viewpoints.
Posted by: Moxie Hart![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:39 PM
Great Job Jessica!
You were as good as it gets on a Colbert show!
And fantastic job informing people of Feminism. You rock
PS is the loo point the only anti-feminism thing, must say the argument stinks :D
Posted by: Allytude![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:40 PM
Yeah, I know OF the Wobblies, but seeing as I'm underage -- I have no real reason to join the IWW. I just don't understand why it's such taboo in the world of feminism for a woman to choose to stay at home. That's my only real "beef" with it.
Posted by: prettyblackribbon![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:41 PM
Besides, a leader saying that does not implicate my support of his statement.
Posted by: prettyblackribbon![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:43 PM
Moxie, that was Stokely Carmichael, later Kwame Ture, of SNCC, not SDS.
Never at a loss for words, Germaine Greer retorted, "Does he mean supine, or is he expressing a personal preference?"
Posted by: Thomas![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:44 PM
And "uhm," I didn't say "agreement." I said "support."
Now you're all just being rude.
Posted by: prettyblackribbon![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:45 PM
I just don't understand why it's such taboo in the world of feminism for a woman to choose to stay at home.
Have any of us said anything like that? Your mom's experiences don't necessarily represent us. Seriously! So don't try to paint us all with the "Feminists don't support choice" brush, uhmk?
& pretty, I said "support" too. Scroll up.
Condoleeza has a right to her beliefs, as do you, but if either of you say something that stinks I'm going to call you on it.
Posted by: Moxie Hart![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:57 PM
Jessica! Fabulous job! I don't even know you, but I was so nervous. ah! Colbert is a tough nut to crack, but you did great. ;)
Posted by: EverythingisImage![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:59 PM
Oooh, look who's the bitter man-hater now! Seems like prettyblackribbon's argument is that men are all violent, therefore unisex restrooms could never be "safe" for women. Well, I'm a feminist in part because I believe that men are not inherently violent, and that someday women will have no more to fear from men than we do from other women. Not to mention that I've never met a feminist who fights fervently for all restrooms to be unisex.... *snicker*
But back to the point. Jessica rocks.
Posted by: ponies and rainbows![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 12:59 PM
I liked the comment she inserted every so subtlely about how she is all for women flashing their breasts if it's for themselves-- i.e. if it's really and wholly their choice. In that she is reminding audiences that feminism isn't really questioning stay-at-home moms, strippers, or any other identities/activities, but rather the real basis for choice in those situations.
So, for example, a women should be able to choose to gussy herself up with make-up and clothes of questionable comfort, though the presence of patriarchy, which among other things looks upon women as a sex-class, makes it alot harder to assume that choice.
Posted by: pdxstudent![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 01:00 PM
Hi Jessica:
You were awesome on Colbert. I totally love the part about the abortion ban and the recent Supreme Court decision, Steve looked confused. You plugged your book and spoke for all feminists everywhere. Great job and you should be proud of yourself. Now I can say I met two lovely TV stars, Jennifer Pozner (WAM 2007)and yourself (at Simmons's book signing/speaking event.
I hope your book becomes a best seller! Good luck and thanks.
Peace and Love,
George :)
Posted by: feministing_man![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 01:02 PM
YES!!! What a great job. You know Colbert loved Jessica too because she handled the interview so damn well. I couldn't be more impressed.
Posted by: aniri![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 01:20 PM
It is amazing how you can keep so cool and good natured faced with comments like the one about the cover, or the girls gone wild, etc. It is a good thing you are out there talking for us... I could not have done it without losing my temper. So thank you, very much. Congratulations, and may it be the first of many!
Posted by: beyita![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 01:20 PM
"I didn't say "agreement." I said "support."
Now you're all just being rude."
And it's still baloney. No one is under any mandate to support other people's opinions simple because we are all women.
The only thing feminism mandates - and this is only my opinion - is that all women get their voice.
No one is silencing you. They're simply pointing out the gaping holes in your nonsense.
Posted by: Vera Venom![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 01:21 PM
Thanks so much for posting this! There are few things I miss about living in the US, but one of them is definitely Comedy Central.
Jessica, you were fantastic! Now I'm going to find out how to buy your book...
Also, I want to add that I am a fierce progressive feminist and, at the same time, I stay home to care for my 3 little girls. The two are not mutually exclusive, and neither wholly define me. I don't think that being a feminist means you can't take up a "traditional" gender role, but a feminist probably wouldn't look at it as a "traditional" role...I don't. I don't choose to stay at home because I think that it's the woman's place, but because I think my children need a full time care giver and nursing babies is easier if you have them right next to you. So, like Jessica said so much better than I can, I stay at home for me and my children, just like it's cool for women to flash their boobies if they're doing it for them and not to please others.
Anyway, I think it's important for young feminists to know that you really can be whatever you want to be and still be a feminist. And, just because we're equal to men doesn't mean we want to use the same bathroom. But what's the big problem if we do? Is that the worst these anti-feminist feminists can come up with? Who here hasn't slipped into the men's room after seeing a long line for the ladies' and no one even in the men's I know I have.
Holly
Posted by: snicker snack![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 01:25 PM
I think feminism is the right to disagree with something too, not just say, because you are a woman, you can say what you like!
And one should be able to stand up for the arrant nonsense they talk, not take refuge in the "You women are picking on a woman"
Posted by: Allytude![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 01:28 PM
Way to tell it, snicker snack.
if I ever have kids, which I just don't know yet, I would definitely want to stay at home. Does that make me less of a feminist? No.
Except for when my mum was single, she stayed at home with me & I think that made a big difference. I want to be as big an influence in my children's life, if not bigger influence, than tv & teachers.
Posted by: Moxie Hart![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 01:30 PM
prettyblackribbon: Thank you for deciding what feminism is, just so you could speak out against your own imaginary definition. You have no idea what you are talking about, and I find it insulting that you even suggest you could be more educated on the issue than a large group of women who have been involved in feminism for years. We don't need your advice.
Posted by: ikkin![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 01:32 PM
In defense of prettyblackribbon, I will say this. She does seem to be young (She said she was underaged).
I was a rabid conservative and antichoice until I was about 15. What changed me was just getting more experience in the world. Plus, I grew up in the 80's & 90's, which wasn't a great time for feminism.
prettyblackribbon, if you want to learn more about what feminism is actually about, I'd reccomend Jessica's book, Fight Like a Girl, & ManifestA.
Posted by: Moxie Hart![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 01:37 PM
I don't know about anyone else, but I've actually used unisex bathrooms. At my snooty school in Paris, there was at least one unisex bathroom, and it was the one nearest one of my classrooms.
So I used it, and at no time did I ever feel unsafe. If anything, the people in the unisex bathrooms were more determined than usual to ignore one another to avoid any appearance of inappropriate behavior.
But in any case, unisex bathrooms is hardly the core of feminist thought. Like many issues, different feminists have different opinions on the subject. Hell, a single feminist can have differing opinions on a subject... gasp, just like everybody else!!
Personally, I've never known anyone to blast the choice of mothers to stay home with their children. If anything, feminists want to make that choice easier for women, by mandating reasonable maternity (and paternity!) leaves with guaranteed return to their jobs. Prettyblackribbon mention abortion, too... If people REALLY want to lower the number of abortions performed every year, they could institute programs like universal pre- and post-natal health care, extended maternity leave with assurances that their job will still exist for them when they return, comprehensive sex education, easy access to contraception, subsidized daycare... I could go on.
Ahem. This has all been said before, so I'll just reiterate: Jessica ROCKED on Colbert. She had something intelligent to say to EVERYTHING he could serve up. If she didn't seem bitter, I would hazard a guess it's because she's not. Anger at the way society treats people is NOT the same as bitterness. Didn't you hear her?? Feminism is way cool! I don't know about anyone else, but it's something I'm *excited* about.
Posted by: TravelerOfTheWays![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 01:50 PM
That rocked! Jessica, I am sooo glad you did such an awesome job. Now when I'm explaining to my non-feminist friends (read: the ones who are still too frightened by all the bogus stereotypes to identify themselves as the f-word) that feminists aren't scary man-haters, I can point them in the direction of this clip and be like, "See... she's cool, eh?"
Posted by: Feliza Navidad![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 01:54 PM
Thank you, Jessica. Thank you so very, very much for your commitment, your humor, and your voice.
Posted by: Peepers![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 02:45 PM
Jessica, you did a grand job on the show, I'm so happy I got to see it! I can't say how much of an inspiration you've been to me, there just aren't enough words. Keep up the good work! :D
Posted by: pelargonium![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 02:46 PM
And thanks to Jen for posting this. I killed my television.
Posted by: Peepers![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 02:48 PM
Stayed up late to watch the replay after watching the first airing, I was really impressed.
Posted by: Hey!_its_that_one_guy!![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 04:40 PM
Fantastic!! So much fun to see a (semi)familiar face on one of my favorite shows. You gave a wow performance.
Re Unisex bathrooms. I would actually be totally a-ok using a unisex bathroom every day for the rest of my life if it meant that all the other gender discrimination went away at the same time. A women doesn't need to be afraid of having men in the same public restrooms if there is no misogyny. Also: shorter restroom lines for the ladies, and no discomfort for our trans brothers and sisters!
Posted by: roro80![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 04:45 PM
Jessica looked great (in all the senses of that phrase) on the show--congrats!
And roro80 totally hit this on the head--if misogyny and violence against women are really made unacceptable, why protest using a unisex bathroom? I had a very interesting discussion with some big-name feminists about this when I was in law school (really about trans- and un-gendered expression and how trans-politics interacts with traditional liberal feminism) and the fear of sexual violence was clearly the elephant in the unisex bathroom. Even fear of people who identify as female--like if it has (or had) a penis, it might attack. Which was very sad to hear from a feminist idol of mine.
Posted by: legallyblondeez![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 05:03 PM
Jessica, that was amazing. I just watched the clip online. Halfway through, my teenage brother walked in. He(despite the fact that the women in our family are all feminists) doesn't quite understand what exactly feminism is, and kind of has a negative attitude toward it. When he saw what I was watching, he said, "Oh, I saw that last night! That woman is really cool. I liked that a lot."
Thank you!
Posted by: Elzbieta![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 05:21 PM
Jessica, great job! I got that same t-shirt for my husband a few years back and dared him to wear it to Wal-Mart one night in the podunk town where we lived at the time. Amazingly, he did it. The whole scene was hilarious.
Congrats on the appearance -- you done good, girl!
Posted by: Jeanne![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 06:41 PM
I would actually be totally a-ok using a unisex bathroom every day for the rest of my life if it meant that all the other gender discrimination went away at the same time.
I second (or third) that as well.
I always think it's interesting that THIS was how Phyllis Schlafly sunk the ERA (that and women's eligibility for the draft). Clearly it taps into people's un-articulated, but deeply held, fears.
And Jessica, let me be the hundredth or so person to congratulate you on holding your own with Colbert and looking like you had a great time (I hope you did, however nervous you were). You said what's possible to say in sound-bite TV. Hope his fans, who are legion, all get turned on to the F-word (the truly awesome one).
Posted by: annajcook![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://feministing.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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June 6, 2007 06:53 PM
I agree with about 81 people before me: Jessica, you rocked. I still hate that kind of sarcastic-maybe-but-how-much "humour" though, but I thought you handled his antagonizing comments fabulously. I know I couldn't have done it, even without the cameras and audience