Analysis Of Julia Gillard s Misogyny Speech - 918 Words

It is argued that Julia Gillard’s ‘misogyny speech’, delivered before Parliament on the 9th of October 2012, was the result of systematic gender bias present in the Australian psyche. The ‘misogyny speech’ was launched against the then Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, highlighting sexist and misogynistic observations the leader had made in the past. Since the second-wave feminist movement of the 1970s, renowned commentators have discussed the negative contrast between the depiction of men and women in the public sphere. Examining the representation of women in politics, combined with their negative portrayal in the media, it is clear gender inequality is thriving. It can be argued that women in the public sphere, especially powerful women, are rigidly assessed through the male gaze, while men are not. According to Mary Rogers, the male gaze evaluates women according to the institutionalized interests of heterosexual men (Rogers Garrett, 2002 p. 3). Kate Legge’s satirical article highlights Australia’s fixation with Gillard’s earlobes during a debate in 2010, rather than her campaign themes. She mockingly remarks on the lack of commentary about the appearance of male politicians during debates of the past (Legge, 2010). Another demonstration of the sexism Gillard repeatedly endured appeared on a menu for a Queensland Coalition candidate’s fundraiser, as the Former Prime Minister’s genitalia became a matter of public concern. One of the main courses read ‘Julia Gillard