David Cameron tells Angela Eagle to "calm down dear" at PMQ

[Bennifer]

I posted this in feminism but think this is appalling, if true.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13211577

He was lying to parliament, you know. About the NHS. I'd say calling him out on that was pretty serious, wouldn't you?

I'd also say that getting angry about a Prime Minister who would lie and distort people's words live on PMQs in order to justify pushing through unpopular and destructive reforms that he has no electoral mandate to inflict on the country was something to get very, very angry about.

Stewie,

Maggie Thatcher changed a lot of people's views of what women could do, regardless of her own politics (which were highly, arguably too, meritocratic). Seeing a woman as PM in 1979 was a real eye opener for a generation of people growing up, including me as a 14 year old. And, let's not forget, as opposed to 95% of MPS, she had a degree in a hard science from a top university.

Dismissing the problems of poorly educated men as their own fault or, even worse, labelling them as in need of professional help, does no one any favours. There were no less "SEN" men in years gone past but there were a lot more jobs for working class males which are now done by robots or computers.

Back to Cameron. Stupid remark which does indeed sound bad in the flesh, especially the repetitions. On the other hand, not typical of the man who was clearly riled, and something that will blow over in days if not less.

"calm down dear."

This is an intentional put down - of the patronising - talking down to you variety.

It's very effective one actually - I think it would stump me in my tracks.

This is unacceptable sexism that UK women have had to put up with for years. Cameron has shown his true colours and his complete lack of judgement (yet again).

This is unacceptable sexism that UK women have had to put up with for years. David Cameron has shown his true colours and his complete lack of judgement (yet again).

DC is a knob. Now more people know that.

Is there nothing more important going on in the news than this claptrap?

It does sound a bit patronizing even if it was said to a male. Although I would be more worried about his comment 'listen to the doctor' - I thought patients had a voice and the choice. Are the new NHS reforms all about listening to the doctor. Looks like we have gone back a few decades.

Thank God for Steve Bell:

www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cartoon/2011/apr/28/steve-bell-george-osborne-cartoon

SGM, I have an old friend who works in the prison system. He says that by far the biggest issue with most prisoners is/was bad parenting. Never being told no, or having no enforced. They grow up with the idea that they can do whatever they want to whoever they want with no repercussions.

I just like to say, It's a phrase well used in our area, I've said it to my DH, DS's and anyone who looks like they're getting their knickers in a twist.

Stewie,

This SEN label is not really an explanation. Do they have special needs genetically or because their parents never bothered to stimulate them as young children or give them appropriate nutrition? Similarly, were they always going to have mental health problems or did a lack of a proper education and no job prospects precipitate something that they were vulnerable to but was not inevitable.

Frankly, it is a bit of a cop out. It is like blaming PND for some women's failure to be good mothers to their young children without looking at the support around them etc.

Also comparing outcomes for middle class women and working class men is just pointless in terms of feminist analysis.

The point is to compare like with like. Working class women with working class men, middle class women with middle class men, etc.

Is it just me or does Rob's 'women taking men's jobs' complaining sound very similar to the 'immigrants taking hard working British men's jobs?

Entitlement? Much.

It is wonderful when someone rocks up and just makes an utter arse of themselves isn't it?

I liked the bit when we all stopped fighting among ourselves and looked at Rob F and wet " What the WHAT now?"

Want some more? - do ya, do ya?

I'd have expected him to think more carefully before coming out with, and repeating as if it was clever, an ad-line which is undoubtedly undermining to women, but also dismissive of anyone with a valid contra-argument. He has enough supposedly street-smart advisors eg Steve Hilton, who should knock those posh edges off. He's just cancelled out the 'airmiles' he gained by taking Ryanair to Malaga, supposedly slumming it along with the rest of us ... Trouble is, public schools of his era still clung onto the old patricarchal methods of communication and patronising women, he will spend the rest of his life on a learning curve following that indoctrination. I hope he reflects on himself and realises that he was inappropriate. I was glad to see that MN spokesperson was quoted on BBC Breakfast news today voicing criticism - good to know they are well-advised to take notice of us !

at Lilmeena

I'm confused now!

Beachcomber,

This is an AIBU thread and not one that everyone wants to analyse via "feminist analysis", whatever that is. To be honest, there is analysis and there is "X analysis". Whenever I see a phrase like "X analysis", it comes across as pseudo analysis to me, as the framework (and often conclusion) is pre-ordained by the X, however that is defined.

Stewie,

Women are definitely NOT the reason men are imprison but nor are men necessarily the reason why more women live "in poverty" (a v relative term in the UK). Some people make bad choices, some are unlucky etc.

This thread is however about Cameron. His choice of words was poor and sexist but, as I said, he was riled and he picked on what he could. Prescott was teased about being fat (although, apparently, he had bulimia) and Clarke was teased about both his girth and drinking habits. That is what parliament is, a rather aggressive debating chamber. Some would like to change it but when you look at the mind numbingly boring debates in the European parliament and the MEPs' fascination with their own salaries and expenses, I am not sure I would like to see that changed. Nor, I doubt would most of the women in parliament. Angela took it in good part I believe.

The commons is supposed to function as a debating society and a forum for whereby it's members can exchanging views and challenge each other in a civilised and respectful manner. This is why they often prefix their mud slinging with "the right honorable gentleman ....". Any modern man would know that this is a highly inappropriate remark in today's society and a deeply offensive response to anybody attempting to express their views, particularly if they are a woman. What's worse is that Cameron chose to use it during a debate. It was as patronising as the advertisement he was alledgedly attempting to mimic and I am surprised that so many women feel perfectly comfortable with it.

Tell David Cameron what you think. E-mail him at this address:

email.number10.gov.uk/

Animula and LDN mummy thank god there are some well thought out and intelligent comments on this subject. Frankly shocked at some peoples reaction on here of the "oh it's just banter" variety