Sunday, August 29, 2010

Makes the Heart Sad


From the Autumn edition of The Anglican Digest:
It's All In Her Genes

It's all in her genes
She likes to say
When avoirdupois
Won't go away.

Yes, look from behind
To see what she means
No doubt that you'll find
It's all in her JEANS.
- Anonymous Ancient Egyptian
Really. On page 20. Of a publication that says its "goal is to connect the Church by gathering articles that tell the vital story of our faith."

I'm wondering what "vital story of our faith" this one tells. Unless it's to remind us that sexism is alive and well -- which of course it is.
But if indeed that was the point -- and this is me now bending my credibility into a pretzel to "presume positive intent" -- surely there's a better way to "tell that vital story" than a not-very-clever ditty that perpetuates the objectification of women.
Yep. Makes the heart sad, all right. And if you think so, too, then take a minute and click here to let the Editor of The Anglican Digest hear from you.

15 comments:

JCF said...

Good frelling frak! THAT was in Anglican Digest????

[The only connection I can think of, is that they believe "I was born this way" re being LGBT is equally scornful. "Makes the heart sad", indeed.]

Truly gob-smacking. :-X

JimB said...

How incredibly freaking inappropriate! Reminds me why I do not subscribe!

Horrible.

FWIW
jimB

LELANDA LEE said...

This blows my mind!

Malcolm+ said...

Makes the heart gobsmacked.

(Verification word: sista - as in, "Preach it, sista!")

Eric Funston said...

I long ago gave up on the Anglican Digest and this just seals that decision.

Elizabeth Kaeton said...

I sent the following letter off to Kendall. You can bet this will get "Unworthy Mention" in the next edition of Ruach - the quarterly publication of EWC.

Dear Kendall,

The following poem appeared on page 20 of the Autumn edition of The Anglican Digest:

It's All In Her Genes

It's all in her genes
She likes to say
When avoirdupois
Won't go away.

Yes, look from behind
To see what she means
No doubt that you'll find
It's all in her JEANS.
- Anonymous Ancient Egyptian

I don't know what I find more objectionable and offensive - the obvious sexism of the "poem" or the fact that the author is hiding behind a pseudonym.

We have had our theological and political differences in the past, Kendall, but I've always experienced you as a gentleman.

I rely on that personal experience as I anticipate a full apology.

As National Convener of The Episcopal Women's Caucus, I insist on one.

Patricia Brush said...

Well, the first article in the summer issue is on ChurchMANship. I haven't ehard that word used in 20 years.

JDB said...

I'm sure the octogenarian lady who wrote that bit of verse would be flabbergasted to find she is "sexist." Looks as if some folks are quick to slap labels as if that is a loving, helpful way to air differences.

Ann said...

Dear JOHN - it is not the poet who is in question but the wisdom and compassion of TAD in publishing the piece. Guess I thought the editor who knows the struggle with weight himself would "get it"

lizziewriter said...

I dunno. I think it's kinda cute, and just the kind of little ditty one expects to find in these folky pocket publications. I think it's suitable for TAD.

uffda51 said...

My mom didn’t live long enough to become an octagenarian but she did write lots of inspirational poems that she submitted to various religious publications. She got a few published, including one by Billy Graham’s organization. The goal was to share her faith. The goal of “Genes” and its publisher eludes me.

Textjunkie said...

Wow, what a mean, snide little poem! :P Way to insult someone, by calling them fat, claiming they are lying about their dieting efforts, and making snide remarks about the size of their backside. Just the kind of loving, compassionate Christian message we like to see... ::rolls eyes::

--textjunkie

JCF said...

@lizziewriter:

It would be (slightly) cute, if it said "It's all in my genes..."

Good Christian humor is self-effacing. Other-effacing, comes from below (As in Far Below. And Hot). Yes, I'm guilty of it, too (Lord have mercy).

MarkBrunson said...

What would you expect from "people" like that? Did you really not pay attention to the allegedly-orthodox cruelty and deception over the last ten years.

Why keep expecting them to behave in a way you know they are incapable of?

Allie said...

Regardless of whether or not this is "cute" (which, although a huge fan of light verse, I do NOT find it to be) I also don't understand what this has to do with Anglican anything. It's simply not an appropriate venue.