MORE: How the Superbowl Ad Can Be a Touchdown for Women
February 1, 2010
by The New Agenda
|The following op-ed by The New Agenda’s Amy Siskind is posted at MORE. You can find the full article here.
A pro-life Superbowl ad is causing controversy—and giving women a touchdown opportunity.
Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup between the Saints and the Colts is nothing compared to the war of words now unfolding between Sarah Palin and NOW. The back story: For Game Day on CBS, Focus on the Family is sponsoring a controversial commercial in which Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow conveys a distinctly pro-life message. NOW and several other pro-choice groups are organizing protests against the network for accepting the ad. Sarah Palin is exhorting CBS to do the right thing and run the ad (and accusing NOW of a double standard). In round three, NOW fired back at Palin telling CBS do the right thing and pull the ad. And there’s still a week to go.
Still, I don’t see all this as the zillionth chapter in America’s values wars. Instead, I take heart from this exchange, because finally it is women who are representing both sides of one of the most divisive issues of our time. It is women, after all, who are the front lines of the abortion issue. We are the ones who make that profound decision, knowing it will carry a lifetime of consequences. Yet women are often relegated to the sidelines of all the debates and legislative battles.
But with Sarah Palin facing off against NOW, this particular moment could be different. Women could seize this opportunity to find some common ground. We could learn from the mistakes of our political parties, whose members, fed up with extremes, are exiting in droves to become Independents.
Read the rest at MORE.
I like your perspective. For once it is women who are talking. Hopefully the conversation will be more intelligent than the insults to our intelligence from the Republican party and the constant threats coupled with non-action from the Democrat Party.
Perhaps I am stupid, but for years Women have demanded the right to choose( presumably that includes the right not to choose to have an abortion), Mrs Tebow exercised that right and in the commercial discuss the factors that went into her choice- Perhaps NOW and their minons dont really want choice but mandated abortions in certain circumstances( such as in Mrs Teboow’s case or Gov Palin’s)- Perhaps they are livid that these two women did not choose as they would have wanted them to and do not want to advertise that there are actually women who given thhe choice, choose not to abort.
Bruce,
I often engage in the abortion debate with other women and share that I don’t believe that an abortion is the right choice except in dire circumstances, and when given the choice to abort a difficult pregnancy, I chose to continue the pregnancy. However, when I also say I believe that every woman should have the same opportunity to make a choice one way or the other – just like I did, women don’t hear the last part and jump all over me for being “anti-abortion”. I agree, I am, but I’m also pro-choice. I also believe that when we give the government the authority to force a woman to continue a pregnancy, we also give them the authority to force a woman to end a pregnancy. But for most women on the abortion on demand side of the fence, my pro-choice “creds” aren’t good enough for them.
Sammanthasmom- that is my point, you made a choice and they got angry because you didnt choose as they would want you to- It is becoming clear to me that you, Mrs Tebow, ad Gov Palin made personal choices- exercising the right to choose and they dont like that at all
Hi All – I would encourage you to leave your comments over at MORE.com too. It would be interesting to spread our readers thoughts to other places.
Samanthsmom, I think you’ve expressed the thoughts of a great many women. Casting this as a pro- or con- issue is negates individual circumstances and actually reflects male ‘us vs. them’ mentality, one reason why men of both parties continue to exploit this for political gain. If there were 100 women in a room, I suspect there would be 100 different positions on abortion. The best we can do right now is to agree to respect individual conscience and individual privacy. If Tebow chooses to go public with her decision, that’s a choice, too, and should be respected.
I’m glad you wrote about this. I’ve been following the Palin/NOW debate closely. It really is inspiring to hear powerful women debating the issue. I desperately want women of both sides to sit down and discuss it and come to terms about it, and this is the closest I’ve ever seen us come. If we ever unite on this, or even find respectful common ground, both parties would be left shaking in their boots.
It’s not an easy issue. I am prochoice, however I do believe Palin makes valid points. One thing I’ve learned is that being prochoice does not mean being free of misogyny. For example if we continue to cause unwanted pregnancies, that’s a violation of a woman’s body right there. There’s no reason men and boys can’t participate fully in taking responsibility for preventing unwanted pregnancy. There’s no reason all women should not have access to birth control and also the right to say no to sex whenever they want. Women’s bodies should be respected so much that she never has to make a choice after the fact. If women are pressured into having abortions so as to not inconvenience men, that is also full of misogyny. If we cut funding to daycare, schools, job opportunities because women should just have abortions, that’s misogyny. Choice must expand and grow to encompass so much more then simply the decision to have an abortion. It’s not choice if you risk your health or risk going to jail because you terminate a pregnancy but it’s also not choice if we live in a society that refuses to provide women the resources, support, and respect, needed to raise children.
Yttik, I find your response very close to mine. I am pro choice, because nobody should interfere with our bodies. But I don’t like the term pro choice, because when I think of choices the association is something positive and the situation of unwanted pregnancy is everything else. the term “pro-choice” suggests a negligence for the problem of unwanted pregnancy. and the culture of accepting the situation as normal/ not changeable of so many young women getting carelessly impregnated.
To those of you that think a pro-choice woman would be mad that another woman chose NOT to have an abortion (you know who you are): Are you for real? Seriously? Why would you say such a thing? Come on now, no one wants to mandate abortion. We just want it to remain legal so that women have the choice of what to do with their own bodies.
As for the Super Bowl ad, it just seems a strange place to advertise a woman’s choice to go through with a pregnancy or not. I, for one, could care less about this woman’s choice. I never even heard of her son before. He is no more important than any other person on this earth. Keep in mind, she is not placing this advocacy ad, a well-funded conservative religious group, Focus On the Family is.
Patti,
I don’t think you’re mad at women who choose not to have an abortion. Just dismissive of our point of view. We don’t belong in the “pro-choice” club. Keeping abortion safe and legal is a complex issue for some of us because we also want it to be “rare”. “No one wants to mandate abortion”. Talk to some women in China. Why is the Superbowl a strange place for an ad like this? It’s one of the most heavily watched shows on TV and reaches a large cross-section of the population. There’s a reason why a Superbowl ad costs so much. You may not care to hear this woman’s story. I’m sick of beer commercials. Pause. Fast forward works for me.
I appreciated that ad and this article very much. True choice means every option must be available and without recrimination. We have a long way to go to achieve this goal.
I also think that women, the women’s movement, and sexual equality must redefine the fight for choice and instead of instantly pledging support for the Democratic Party based on their feeble plea that they are the fighting the last stand for ‘abortion rights’ we should consider who played we are by both parties and start redefining what it means to be pro-choice and who really supports it and us.
Furthermore, Sarah Palin continually amazes me with her strength and ability to be herself, be strong, and be feminist. I could not be prouder of this woman.
samanghasmom,
Here’s another take on the ad, from the “Women’s Rights” website. It points out the hypocrisy of CBS in changing their “no advocacy policy” conveniently for this ad, while refusing others. That is the issue that should be addressed so that the article’s focus “a call for tolerance and fairness, not censorship” be honored:
http://womensrights.change.org.....censorship
CBS is a business. It makes its money through advertising. It decides what to show and what not to show. You get to decide whether you want to watch or not. But keep on arguing with the person who agrees with you that abortion is a personal choice to be made by a woman and her doctor. You’re making my point for me.
Hi All,
I think it would be really helpful if you would consider also posting your comments at MORE. There is a new audience there looking at this issue with us. I think we might all benefit from having your voices in the discussion over there too!
Thanks,
Amy
samanthasmon,
I’m not arguing with you, I’m just bringing other viewpoints into this conversation. Don’t patronize me! I’m fully aware what CBS is, I’m just questioning how they use their powerful platform, which by all the evidence available, shows that they are being hypocritcal in how they use their power.
I also believed that in any discussion, bringing in more information for analysis and seeing as many sides as possible, is a good thing, and clearly not an affront to you.
I thought the “Women’s Rights” website made a good point that should be considered.
samanthasmom,
I’m not sure where you get the idea that the pro-choice are dismissive of your point of view. Perhaps you had a bad encounter, but please don’t stereotype pro-choice people. There is no club either. You sound bitter and I’m sorry if someone has insulted you. You are entitled to your choices and opinions and I respect that. Being pro-choice is just what it says no matter how the far right has twisted the definition.
I wonder how you would feel if a pro-choice ad was placed on TV during the Super Bowl with no “pro-life” ad to offset it. Frankly, I would be appalled as well. As a woman, don’t you feel like a punching bag sometimes? I say, just leave us alone to decide for ourselves.
By the way, China’s laws do not apply here in the US. I was not speaking for China.
Why would you think that I would object to a pro-choice ad? It’s my position. I’ve been around this earth long enough to have participated in the original push for abortion rights in the early 70’s, and I just think that women have stopped talking to each other unless they already agree. If you are not clearly on one side of the debate or the other, your voice is not welcome. Try going to some of the other blog sites where women tend to congregate and offer up the position that you believe that abortion should be legal but rare. I think that you will be surprised at the negative reaction you get no matter which side of the argument the other commenters are on. I fought this battle once, and I’m not motivated to do it again, but I’m not bitter, although that seems to be the term used to describe any woman over 50 who disagrees with you. Just disappointed. I thought by now we would have bridged this gap, but we’re still arguing about what to call the different sides of the argument.
samanthasmom,
I did not assume you would object to a pro-choice ad, I actually was asking you. I am pro-choice and I object to any TV ads regarding my reproductive system. It is a woman’s individual choice and should not be debated on TV, IMO – especially during a football game when mostly men are watching anyway. Also, I had no idea how old you are and was not referring to your age with any of my comments. Perhaps I chose the wrong word. I do that sometimes. I have no beef with you or your opinions. In the first place I was reacting to Bruce N., not you. So, can we just get along?
By definition pro-choice is at its core respecting individual choices and privacy. Most of us also like the “free exchange of ideas” and disdain censorship. I find Ms. Tebow’s ad a great alternative to the horrible images usually driven by extremists. And Tebow does great work with youth! OK
As for a common ground – perhaps it is time but what is there to discuss about this issue. Tolerance? Understanding? Respect? Isn’t that what privacy and ROE is about – what is to discuss> Why do we have to keep defending ourselves?
If NOW and pro-choice ladies feel less than tolerant at this point it is because we have never been able to rest on ROE – Henry Hyde, the States and the religiouis right continue to chip away at us and this continues to polarize women – as long as any woman is denied safe access to health care – the net impact falls on woman and is discriminatory. I don’t wish to have tea and discuss it – there is really nothing to discuss.
Thanks for stopping by Lisa.
Yes, concur that is scary having Roe chipped away – but it ain’t Hyde doing it – it’s the Democrats! Led by Pelosi, Reid and Obama. They are pushing and continuing even after to MA to push an unpopular reform that would include (whether Stupak or Nelson) the biggest setback since Roe.
That’s why we propose finding the common ground – because our politicians on the Dem side clearly will not protect it. Women must look after ourselves. And the vast majority agree that this should be a personal issue.
If you want me to “talk” about health care reform all I will say is we need reform – unpopular or not – it needs to be on the table. Pragmatism is what our country was founded upon and both sides, the GOP and DEMS need to find common ground to get health care reform passed. I’ve always been lucky: had access to college and law school and always had good jobs and insurance. However many of my friends and people I know do not have any insurance. How would you like to face breast cancer, a spouse with Alzeheimers, and 2 grown adult children with mental illness (they were both adopted at 3-4)and help raise them – on a piano teacher’s salary (she works 6-7 days) a week. Where is Palin and GOP on this issue Amy: why just critize Obama, Peolsi and Reid: Henry Hyde started the attacks and his progeny continue to limit women’s access to safe care. Don’t turn this on the Dems Amy: there is enough blame to go around but who on the GOP side is making any alternative proposals?
Lisa,
We need health insurance reform and reform in the government programs known as medicare and medicaid. The former is out of control and needs limits and guidelines that are much more pro-patient and the latter is out of control with fraud and we could save billions just by cutting out fraud.
BOTH parties are guilty of not naming the problem and thus not naming the solution. That being said, the health sham bill currently up in both houses would do NOTHING to help but rather hurt by adding BILLIONS of dollars of overhead to an already bad system. I read the bill(s) with the help of some friends (we pieced it out) and it is one of the worst written pieces of shit I have ever seen (two of my friends worked for years in senior advocacy and I did a stint in the Domestic Peace Corps assisting the Food for Seniors Program before law school so we know a thing or two about such things). In addition to being a sham, it added a tax on those not able to pay (think thousands a year) for insurance and gave the govt. permission to basically steal $400B from seniors to give to poor people. I think the sham bill is unconstitutional on its face too because I don’t know if the govt. can actually force people to purchase health insurance.
Most people I know fall into two categories regarding health insurance:
1) Would rather have new car, cell phone(s), new clothes, cable tv, party and think of health insurance as non-necessary. A healthy person can get a Blue Cross program for about $300.00 a month. This should be the FIRST thing you budget for after housing, food and transportation. MOST people can easily afford this, but do not want to give up luxuries they view as necessities.
2) Have pre-existing conditions or too many children and cannot get or afford health insurance. The former group is why we need govt. intervention and more guidelines for pro-patient treatment by health insurance companies. The latter is two fold lack of planning and also more pro-patient behavior by HIC.
We already have FREE MEDICAL CARE IN THIS COUNTRY. It is called Medicare and emergency rooms. Believe me the last thing you want is a govt. who can’t even produce 1/10th of the Flu Vaccine after 3 years of epidemic rates of the flu in America being in charge of your life and death.
Free medical care? So your saying – if your community has a public hospital, those who opt not to protect themselves from loss can just walk into the waiting room and obtain free medical services. . . I would not know – like I said – I’m lucky. What do you think of that? Is that right?
I do not have any expertise but my observations are different than yours: in this small christian community, there are many families and working poor that really have trouble making ends meet paycheck to paycheck not because they buy things. . . its a constant struggle to pay all the bills when one spouse can’t or does not work or if one spouse is medically incapacated
I like you agree that we need more patient-focused care. Isn’t the goal of health care reform to refocus our efforts on preventive care and quality universal care? Think of how diverse our nation is and our habitat – both things that impact a patient’s access to care. There are many variables and yes terribly complex but its never going away until we as a nation act. We must act and move forward.
You do agree that government regulation is warranted for pre-existing conditions. My parents are 78 and have medicare
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