The recent sacking of sexist Sky Sports presenter, Andy Gray, is a step forward for feminism. But, it’s not without limitations.
Gray was dismissed from his seven-figure salary job after he and fellow presenter Richard Keys agreed, off-air before a Premier League Match, that assistant referee Sian Massey and women generally “probably don’t know the offside rule”.
Gray initially only received disciplinary action for his sexism. Had Gray’s comments been a racist slur, the furore could have been so great Gray would have been sent packing immediately. When Jade Goody called Indian actress Shilpa Shetty “Shilpa Poppadom” on Celebrity Big Brother, the backlash was so great that Goody went into hiding, following death threats.
In Gray’s case, it wasn’t until further evidence of sexism became clear that Sky terminated his contract. Another presenter Andy Burton was recorded describing Massey as “a bit of a looker”, with Gray replying “no, I wouldn’t. I definitely wouldn’t”.
These events have ignited public debate, complete with vile posturing from the right-wing. It seems that many are genuinely undecided whether this is sexism or “banter”.
A question put to the panelists on BBC Question Time encapsulates this: “Should’ve Andy Gray been sacked, or, has Britain lost its sense of humour?”
Panel member and past Apprentice contestant Katie Hopkins answered the question crudely, claiming “women do not want equal treatment, and couldn’t handle it if they tried”.
Women are one of the most vibrant elements of the current student movement with many more on demonstrations and taking part in direct action than past struggles. Women are involved in anti-cuts groups across the country and many are raising awareness that the cuts will further impede women’s liberation.
Has Hopkins ever heard of Sylvia Pankhurst, Grunwick or Women Against Pit Closures?
Hopkins also suggested: “women have to toughen up. Women can’t ask for equal pay, they should be paid on performance. Look at shortlists of women for jobs; is that equal treatment, or, is it special treatment?”.
No, it’s positive discrimination — women are the world’s poorest and most marginalised group.
Of the 1.3 billion people living in poverty around the world, 70 percent are women. Women earn 17 percent less that their average male counterparts. Not to mention domestic labour — shouldn’t that get some recognition?
Richard Keys said he never expected the debacle to be such a public ordeal, denying had had been sexist and comparing the conversations to “lads’ mag banter” which provides some catharsis allowing him and his male workmates to relax before broadcasts.
Women’s oppression is still so entrenched that this derogatory discourse, allowing men to unite, feel superior and in control is dismised as banter.
Feminists should challenge this type of sexism and right-wing perceptions like Katie Hopkins’.
As it stands, there are only two female referees in the Premier League. No doubt attitudes put forward by slime balls like Gray and Keys are going to put more off for years to come.
Women referees
"there are only two female referees in the Premier League. No doubt attitudes put forward by slime balls like Gray and Keys are going to put more off for years to come."
Actually, one of the heartening side-effects of the publicity around the Sian Massey/Sky Sports affair is that the the FA has apparently received thousands of enquiries from women asking how they can qualify as referees.