The Republican Hero vs. the Feminist Activist (and the Feminist Is Right)

Feminist commentator Susan Estrich calls into question in her column this morning the judgment of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz) for his cameo appearance in a movie described by critics as a "perv-fest" and "a showcase for bare-breasted beauties."  This all has to do with McCain's acting debut in the film, The Wedding Crashers, this summer's answer to American Pie.

Estrich, who served as 1988 Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis's chief strategist, wonders whether social conservatives who dominate the GOP presidential primary system will be amused by McCain, who once lambasted Hollywood for marketing R-rated films to teenagers, now appearing in one himself. She compares this with McCain's Clinton-era "joke" about the physical appearance of then-teenaged Chelsea Clinton.

Feminism is one of the most dangerous, utopian, and ultimately hopeless causes of twenty-first century America. Even so, we can be thankful for the way in which feminists often point out the exploitation of women by men, usually for commercial purposes. This is one of those times.

What worries me is not so much that a United States senator is appearing in a movie geared to titillate teenage boys (and their emotional peers) with promiscuous topless women. Rather I am more concerned by Sen. McCain's reason for appearing in the film: "It impressed my kids."

With the rise of the so-called "South Park Conservatives," we may well be in for more conservatives who value capitalism and commerce more than the permanent things, like the way in which our society views women. That will be a shame. But we can't say the feminists didn't warn us.

Comments

[Paddy O.]

I think the rising of the "South Park Conservative" has likely peaked. There will always be a portion of the community which thrives on the crass, and often these people will be conservatives, but such folks do not make for a change in society. They are being emphasized now because this is a label which gives hope to those who despise all things holy and religious, helping them to think that maybe there's a non-religious future to the Republican party.

McCain, I would guess, thought "Hollywood!" not about anything in the script nor anything to do with the final edits. Like all of us he slipped from his ideals, the Lord knows I do it on occasion, but unlike most of us Senator McCain did it by appearing in a movie, rather than watching the movie.

I would also guess that McCain will not flaunt his appearance and likely will return to his ideals because he knows the future of the Republican party will not be determined by the "South Park Conservatives". Instead, he will note the rise of that peculiar and unexpected species, the "crunchy con". Such folks are the future of Conservatism. At least I hope so, being one myself.

[Daniel Crandall]

I cannot agree with Paddy O. McCain did not slip from his ideals because, other than defending America with as much military power one can muster (and even on that I'm skeptical), he has no ideals from which to slip. McCain craves the spotlight: He will say anything and do anything to keep his face in front of the public.

Appearing in a film is not a simple little slip like going to a movie. One has to read the script, decide how the role is to be played in the context of the film and block out days in one's schedule to appear for filming. Furthermore, filming does not stop for a minor character, even if that minor character is a being played by a sitting US Senator (though exceptions may be made if that Senator's first name is Hillary).

I fully believe that McCain would appear in an X-rated film if he thought it would keep him in the spotlight.

McCain's quote, which Mr. Moore cites in this post, tells us all we need to know about McCain. If he thinks something will impress someone, whether that means crushing freedom of speech (with Campiagn Finance Reform) or back-stabbing Party leaders (with ending the Democrat fillibuster of some Judges), he will do it.

I disagree with Ms. Estrich 99.99% of the time. This is that .01% where we are on the same page.