The Conservative Party and Angry White Male Syndrome (AWMS)

[Visionseeker]

The Conservatives have generally found themselves unable to sustain polling numbers beyond what they earned at the polls in January 2006. When one analyzes the demographic data behind opinion polls since the election, we see that the only group that offers solid support for the Conservative brand is the over 50 male group. While some gains in other demographics do appear in various polls, these gains largely evaporate or even reverse in subsequent polling.

The results of these polls have some observers beginning to see the party as firmly entrenched in a “Angry White Male” philosophy that has no appeal beyond its immediate niche. There are certainly a number of examples in both policies and pronouncements from the Conservative ranks that would support this perception, so one might ask how the party can ever secure a majority (or even win) in the next election with such narrow support?

Are the Conservatives simply the voice of angry white males, or can they successfully build a tent that broadens there appeal? If they can build such a tent, how might they do it?

[eyeball]

Backlash? I'd say backwash is more like it. I don't think the Tories ever really recovered from the Reform upchuck and hopefully never will.

With any luck at all Canadians will likewise dry heave the Liberals into eventual oblivion.

Perhaps after a period of minority governments people will start agitating for proportional representation or be forced to polarize around two new variants of right and left. Hopefully we'll choose PR

Edited January 31, 2008 by eyeball

[MontyBurns]

This is the backlash from treasonous Liberal philosophy. Here is some Liberal philosophy in point form to show why there is AWMS:

-dark skin is better than white skin

-females are better than males

-foreigners are better than locals

-natives must be forever compensated for stuff that happened centuries ago

-white males must always lose in family and divorce courts

-white males must always pay for the "progress" of other groups

-feminism must never be questioned

-gay is better than straight

-sensitivities of foreigners is more important than Canadian traditions

-be as wimpy as possible

-dwell in self-hate constantly

-promote "equality" (whatever the hell "equality" is)

-police and armed forces are not needed

-guns are bad

-etc.

[Michael Hardner]

This thread is representative of the problem with politics right now.

The fights are so much more about identity politics, classic 'left vs right' than the issues at hand.

'Angry white male' and 'treasonous self-hating liberal' are caricatures, not political issues. Harper has been doing a statesman's job of negotiating a middle way between the arch conservative forces in his party and the generally liberal bent of Canadians. Dion has recognized that Canada is needed in Afghanistan and has held back from overstating his case there.

As a result, both parties should be able to reach a consensus on an approach. This is what we expect of our politicians - reasonable behavior and dialogue - but so often don't receive.

[margrace]

On the news last night the cameras flashed onto Mr. Harper who was answering some question or other, don't really remember what it was but what I do remember is the picture of middle aged men in suits, not a woman in sight.

Given the news lately of the problems, from the conservative view, with several women, the head of the Nuclear protection board or what ever her title was and the blame for misinformation from the other Conservative lady of the treatment of prisoners in Afghanistan, it seems rather obvious that the Conservatives don't like women.

[Topaz]

On the news last night the cameras flashed onto Mr. Harper who was answering some question or other, don't really remember what it was but what I do remember is the picture of middle aged men in suits, not a woman in sight.

Given the news lately of the problems, from the conservative view, with several women, the head of the Nuclear protection board or what ever her title was and the blame for misinformation from the other Conservative lady of the treatment of prisoners in Afghanistan, it seems rather obvious that the Conservatives don't like women.

You know how some men are...if there is a strong woman on the home front than they try to be the aggressor on the work sector. I've notices that a lot of the Cons and some of the other parties don't wear wedding rings that I know are married. I was wondering if it had to so with some kinda rules than yet the women are wearing theirs. It seems the Conservative women are placed to be there to shake their heads and always agree with the PM or other ministers on that side of the aisle, smile and be cute.

[White Doors]

On the news last night the cameras flashed onto Mr. Harper who was answering some question or other, don't really remember what it was but what I do remember is the picture of middle aged men in suits, not a woman in sight.

Given the news lately of the problems, from the conservative view, with several women, the head of the Nuclear protection board or what ever her title was and the blame for misinformation from the other Conservative lady of the treatment of prisoners in Afghanistan, it seems rather obvious that the Conservatives don't like women.

Sigh.. ironic that this is the very next post after yours Michael wouldn't you say?

A good proportion of the polulation doesn't care what you DO, only care about how you look when you say what you are going to do.

They don't give a whit whether you actually do or not.

[Keepitsimple]

Perhaps people should judge the Conservative party's attitude toward women by that of the leader. Stephen Harper....and what better way to judge Harper than to look at who he chose as his life partner - Laureen. Here is a women who is worldly, business savvy, independent and for heaven's sake, she rides a motorcycle! This is a woman he loves and respects. I think you'd get a fierce argument from Laureen if someone accused her husband of being anti-women in any way.

Laureen Harper

Laureen Teskey Harper (born 1963) is the wife of Stephen Harper, the Prime Minister of Canada since February 6, 2006 and Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.

Laureen was born in Turner Valley, a rural town located in the Rocky Mountain foothills just southwest of Calgary. Her parents were ranchers and owned an electrical contracting company.

Upon graduating from Oilfields High School in 1981, Laureen attended the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary where she studied photography and graphic arts.

After graduation she spent six months travelling in Africa where she visited 13 different countries, and therefore she has been interested in African topics since that time. She returned to Calgary and was employed for many years as a graphic artist.

Laureen started her own business in Calgary in 1989 and continued it until 2002. She moved to Ottawa after her husband was elected Leader of the Official Opposition in March 2002.

Laureen's volunteer efforts involve computer work for Rockcliffe Elementary School's annual book sale and the local library. She also offers her home to the Ottawa SPCA as a foster home for kittens.

In her spare time enjoys riding her motorcycle, newly purchased this past fall. She also has a love of photography and gardening.

She and Stephen have two children, Ben (born 1996) and Rachel (born 1999).

[margrace]

Couple of very defensive and one attacking posts, I rest my case.

Edited January 31, 2008 by margrace

[Wilber]

You know how some men are...if there is a strong woman on the home front than they try to be the aggressor on the work sector. I've notices that a lot of the Cons and some of the other parties don't wear wedding rings that I know are married. I was wondering if it had to so with some kinda rules than yet the women are wearing theirs. It seems the Conservative women are placed to be there to shake their heads and always agree with the PM or other ministers on that side of the aisle, smile and be cute.

And yet our only female Canadian PM to date was a Conservative and one of the toughest and most successful British Prime Ministers of the 20th century was a woman Conservative. There has yet to be a female leader of either the Canadian Liberal or British Labour parties.

[MontyBurns]

The Conservative attitude towards women is the same as the Liberal attitude towards men. So take your pick.

[Michael Hardner]

Magrace,

I'd have to say I agree with WD here.

Does the fact that there were no women visible at the press conference tell us anything substantive ?

If there were nothing but women with Mr. Harper what would that tell us ?

[jefferiah]

Couple of very defensive and one attacking posts, I rest my case.

Lol thats ridiculous Margrace. You made a claim about Harper and people defended him.

And then there is your original assertion that the conservatives don't like women....which is based on nothing. It's like saying Hillary hates men cuz of her differences with Obama.

[M.Dancer]

Margrace Proof Harper loves Women and Children

[Michael Hardner]

Morris there is something distinctly fishy about that picture.

[eyeball]

This thread is representative of the problem with politics right now.

The fights are so much more about identity politics, classic 'left vs right' than the issues at hand.

'Angry white male' and 'treasonous self-hating liberal' are caricatures, not political issues. Harper has been doing a statesman's job of negotiating a middle way between the arch conservative forces in his party and the generally liberal bent of Canadians. Dion has recognized that Canada is needed in Afghanistan and has held back from overstating his case there.

As a result, both parties should be able to reach a consensus on an approach. This is what we expect of our politicians - reasonable behavior and dialogue - but so often don't receive.

I'd say our whole society is becoming representative of the problem with our political system. I don't think people expect very much from their politicians at all, they can dare to hope but...

[Drea]

Magrace,

I'd have to say I agree with WD here.

Does the fact that there were no women visible at the press conference tell us anything substantive ?

If there were nothing but women with Mr. Harper what would that tell us ?

See!!!

Black OR white

Male OR female

With us OR against us

...it's only conservatives who cannot see a MIX of people.. male AND female.

ppfffft.

[scribblet]

...it's only conservatives who cannot see a MIX of people.. male AND female.

ppfffft.

It is, you could have fooled me, absolutely fallacious statement ppfffft.

[MontyBurns]

Canada is finally starting to wake up beginning with the white males. We finally have the socialist clowns out of power and I'm loving it. Even France and Sweden have dumped their socialist clowns.