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News, Reviews & Commentary on Lesbian and Bisexual women in Entertainment and the Media

Wonder Woman speaks her mind

I have always loved Wonder Woman. Something about those star-spangled hot pants and that Golden Lasso spoke to untold parts of my prepubescent psyche. Oh, and there was also that little bit about her being a kick-ass Amazon princess who took out the bad guys. So naturally I loved Lynda Carter, too, and after hearing her thoughts on Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, I couldn't possibly love her more.

Last week, when asked offhandedly by Philadelphia Magazine what she thought of Palin being compared to her most-recognized character, Wonder Woman, the 57-year-old star pulled no punches:

Don’t get me started. She’s the anti-Wonder Woman. She’s judgmental and dictatorial, telling people how they’ve got to live their lives. And a superior religious self-righteousness … that’s just not what Wonder Woman is about. Hilary Clinton is a lot more like Wonder Woman than Mrs. Palin. She did it all, didn’t she?

Pardon me while I swoon.

But the daughter of Hippolyta wasn't done yet — not by a long shot.

No one has the right to dictate, particularly in this country, to force your own personal views upon the populace — religious views. I think that is suppressive, oppressive, and anti-American. We are the loyal opposition. That’s the whole point of this country: freedom of speech, personal rights, personal freedom. Nor would Wonder Woman be the person to tell people how to live their lives. Worry about your own life! Worry about your own family! Don’t be telling me what I want to do with mine.

I like John McCain. But this woman — it’s anathema to me what [Wonder Woman] stands for. I think America should be very afraid. Very afraid. Separation of church and state is the one thing the creators of the Constitution did agree on — that it wasn’t to be a religious government. People should feel free to speak their minds about religion but not dictate it or put it into law.

What I don’t understand, honestly, is how anyone can even begin to say they know the mind of God. Who do they think they are? I think that’s ridiculous. I know what God is in my life. Now I am sure that she’s not all just that. But it’s enough to me. It’s enough for me to have a visceral reaction. And it makes me mad.

People need to speak up. Doesn’t mean that I’m godless. Doesn’t mean that I am a murderer. What I hate is this demonization of everybody but one position. You’re un-American because you’re against the war. It’s such bullshit. Fear. It’s really such a finite way of thinking about God to think that your measly little mind can know the mind of God. It’s a very little God that way. I think that God’s bigger. I don’t presume to know his mind. Or her mind.

Wow, that's what I call a Wonder Woman-sized smackdown. I know lots of folks have issues with celebrities inserting themselves in the political discourse. I, for one, don't really mind. Heck, they're citizens too and judging by the amount of time the general populace spends obsessing about them, they're the only citizens we seem to really care about.

Carter's criticism joins a chorus of stars (from Matt Damon to Pamela Anderson to Pink, and even Lindsay Lohan) who have come out against the potential VP. And, if Tina Fey's dead-on parody from Saturday Night Live is any indication, glasses-wearing celebrities aren't too pleased with her either.

Regardless of how you feel about stars talking politics, Carter's comments are particularly salient given the imagery used by both the campaign and press to describe the Alaska governor. Remember those “GI John & Superwoman” signs from the Republican Convention?

And if you don't think the Wonder Woman metaphor has been made quite forcefully enough, check out the (terrible) Photoshopping on these T-shirts. A word of warning: Actually wearing one might make you the least popular lesbian at the annual softball tournament this year.

Though, if we're going to talk Photoshopped super-politicians, this is by far my favorite:

So, was Carter out of line in pulverizing Palin's politics? Or was she just bound by her own lasso of truth? And remind me never to make Wonder Woman angry.

wyle e coyote's picture

Republican talking point

I think it's a Republican talking point that celebrities shouldn't insert themselves in politics--mostly because the more well-known celebrities often support Democrats.  I don't have a problem with celebrities speaking their mind about politics, and not just because I agree with the likes of Lynda Carter or Matt Damon or George Clooney.  Republican-supporting celebrities like Chuck Norris and Angie Harmon have just as much right to talk about their chosen candidates as anyone else.  It's up to the voters to make responsible decisions about who to listen to and who to believe.  I'm definitely heartened by what Lynda Carter has to say, but by no means did she make my decision for me.

However, I will do whatever Tina Fey tells me to. 

 

____________________________________________________________

Bridget: Are you really crying because you're not lesbians in real life?  Is that why you cry?

Eden Riegel: Well, wouldn't that make you cry?

johna2342's picture

local gas prices

Wonder woman still looks beautiful even to this day and age.
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local gas prices
DILLIGAF's picture

I must have missed it

What exactly is it that Palin has supposedly forced on us?
Napanut99's picture

More like Hilary?

I can't see Wonder Woman tolerating or staying with a man who received sexual pleasure from an intern in the white house. And then chose to stay in the marriage for political gain. Wonder woman would have left a trail of dust! Just don't see it? But, Lynda Carter said she was more like Hilary though? Maybe she meant with the exception of that little bit of historical drama!

whitelabcoat's picture

Speaking of ...

... presuming to know someone else's mind. You have no idea why Hillary Clinton chose to stay in her marriage. 'For political gain'? Wow, it must be great to be able to just know something like that.
jennifer from pittsburgh's picture

Real Wonder Woamn

Hee! A friend forwarded the Philly Mag article this morning and I was thrilled by Lynda Carter trouncing Palin. Then I went to the dollar store with my sister to pick up stuff not made in China. I bought a jar of pickles. She bought a big bottle of Coke. Then we went back to her house and had some grilled cheese. I let the cat out when I left.
the_Rad_Seed's picture

LOVE her

Should change my avatar to Carter's picture. Could'nt have said it better myself. Least not right now, i'm supposed to be doing something else.

http://radisthenewblack.blogspot.com/

cosmiccowgirl's picture

Yay Wonder Woman!

Comparing Palin to Wonder Woman is blasphemy! I'm glad Lynda Carter set the record straight.

I like the idea of HRC as a superhero, but that Photoshopped pic is just disturbing.

Bartlett's picture

Her point should apply to Sen. Obama as well.

Quoting WW:   

"No one has the right to dictate, particularly in this country, to force your own personal views upon the populace — religious views. I think that is suppressive, oppressive, and anti-American."

 She is right.  We should all be aware that Sen. Obama's long-stated opposition to equal marriage is based in his narrow "Christian belief that marriage is between one man and one woman."  Sen. Obama is not now and never has been a friend to Lesbian and Gay Americans.

Ahhh_Cool's picture

Thank you. I have been

Thank you. I have been making this point for a while now - ever since I saw an interview where he stated that he does not support gay marriage because of his religion. I'm not sure how so many LGBT folks keep ignoring this and feel so certain he'll get us all equal rights.
my_rain_face's picture

Of course Obama's not going

Of course Obama's not going to say he supports same-sex marriage.  Neither did Hillary, and neither will McCain or Palin.  Saying you support same-sex marriage would absolutely kill your candidacy (which is one of the many reasons that Kucinich, much as many of us love him, will never be a viable candidate).

Obama is, however, the ONLY major candidate who wanted to overturn ALL points of the DOMA.  Most others (including Hillary, unfortunately) wanted to permit the clause which allowed states to choose not to recognise same-sex unions performed in other states.  And he's the only candidate who wants to not only overturn DADT, but to put in place a program to either reinstate or grant honorable discharges to the soldiers who were dishonorably discharged under the bill.

He's not the perfect candidate for the LGBTs, but he's the best we're going to get under the circumstances.  And I believe (admittedly out of optimism, but anyway) that he would be kinder to us if he thought he could do so and still get elected.  It's inescapable that there's an element of politicking like that that goes on in, well, politics.

Ahhh_Cool's picture

Hey, I totally understand

Hey, I totally understand that he's the best viable candidate we've ever had in the US. And will I vote for him this November? Yes, probably. He does support us gays much more than McCain, and though I have toyed with the notion of voting for Nader or writing in Kucinich (if writing-in is still an option. I never hear anyone talk about it anymore), I feel like maybe it's more important to keep Palin out of office than exercise my vote for a candidate who I feel represents my views the best.

 As for being kinder to us if he thought he could still get elected, I'm doubtful. If he had simply stated he wouldn't push for same-sex marriage, I'd be a bit more hopeful. But, the fact that he clearly stated he doesn't support same-sex marriage because of his religion makes me think it would be pretty difficult to get him to be more supportive. It's an enormous task to get people to change their religious beliefs and/or go against their church's teachings, especially if they're a US politician. 

zephyr's picture

A comparison

 

 http://obama.3cdn.net/9bbadf2e4222f1de03_5humvyu4s.pdf

OBAMA AND MCCAIN ON LGBT ISSUES

ISSUE OBAMA MCCAIN

FIGHTING DISCRIMINATION

Obama Supports Legislation to Outlaw Employment Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

Obama Sponsored Fully Inclusive Non‐Discrimination Bill In Illinois. He was a champion of the bill for seven years, which later passed after Obama had been elected to the US Senate.

McCain Voted Against the Employment Non‐Discrimination Act. McCain said “I don't believe that [homosexuals] belong in a special category. […] That's why I voted the way that I did.”

ADOPTION

Obama Supports Full Adoption Rights for Same Sex Couples. Obama believes that LGBT people should have the same adoption rights as heterosexuals.

McCain Opposed Gay Adoption. McCain said “I don’t believe in gay adoption.”

DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT

Obama Supports Complete Repeal of DOMA.

Obama believes we need to fully repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and enact legislation that would ensure that the 1,100+ federal legal rights and benefits currently provided on the basis of marital status are extended to samesex couples in civil unions and other legallyrecognized relationships.

McCain Continues to Defend DOMA. McCain voted for passage of the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996, which denies federal legal rights and benefits to same‐sex couples, and he continues to defend that discriminatory law to this day.

MARRIAGE AMENDMENTS

Obama Voted Against a Federal Amendment to Ban Same‐Sex Marriage. Obama sided with the vast majority of Democrats opposing attempts by the Republican leadership to bring up a vote on a constitutional amendment to ban same sex‐marriage

Obama Opposes Discriminatory Constitutional Amendments. Obama “opposes all divisive and discriminatory Constitutional amendments, state or federal.” This includes the proposed amendments In California, Arizona and Florida.

McCain “Proud” to Have Led an Effort to Ban Same‐Sex Marriage and Civil Unions In Arizona. McCain said “I'm proud to have led an effort in my home state to change our state Constitution to protect the sanctity of marriage between man and woman.”

McCain Supports the California Gay Marriage Ban. In an e‐mail to protectmarriage.com, McCain said “I support the efforts of the people of California to recognize marriage as a unique institution between a man and a woman, just as we did in my home state.”

McCain Says He Would Sign the Federal Marriage Amendment into Law. When asked if he would sign the federal marriage amendment if elected President, McCain replied, “of course,” although he voted against the amendment in the Senate.

zephyr's picture

A comparison part 2

 

http://obama.3cdn.net/9bbadf2e4222f1de03_5humvyu4s.pdf

ISSUE OBAMA MCCAIN

RELATIONSHIP RECOGNITION

Obama Supports Civil Unions that Confer “the Equivalent Legal Rights as a Marriage

License.” Obama said, “I am a strong supporter of civil unions…But I also believe that civil unions have to have the equivalent legal rights as a marriage license…Right now, there are about 1,200 legal rights that are available to married couples that aren't available to same‐sex couples, even if the state recognizes civil unions…And that's not fair ‐ that's discriminatory, and it's going to need to change.”

McCain Opposes Civil Unions

HIV/AIDS PREVENTION

Obama Voted for Increased Funding for AIDS Drug Assistance.

Obama Worked to Reauthorize the Ryan White Act. Obama worked to reauthorize the Ryan White CARE Act, one of the largest sources of federal funds for primary health care and support services for HIV/AIDS patients.

McCain Voted Against Increased Funding for AIDS Prevention and Treatment. McCain voted against increased funding for AIDS drug assistance and increased funding for the Ryan White CARE Act.

GAYS IN THE MILITARY

Obama Supports Repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Obama believes we need to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and allow all servicemembers to serve openly. Obama will work with military leaders to repeal the current policy and ensure we accomplish our national defense goals.

McCain Believes that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is Working. McCain said “I believe that the don't ask, don't tell policy is working in the military.”

McCain said LGBT People Present an “Intolerable Risk.” In a 2007 letter, McCain said that the law, “unambiguously maintains that open homosexuality within the military services presents an intolerable risk to morale, cohesion and discipline.”

HATE CRIMES

Obama Passed Law in Illinois to Identify Hate Crimes, add “Conspiracy Against Civil Rights” to Hate Crimes Statute Obama Said He Will Enact Federal Hate Crimes Legislation. In an open letter to LGBT voters Obama said, “I will place the weight of my administration behind the enactment of the Matthew Shepard Act to outlaw hate crimes and pass a fully inclusive Employment Non‐Discrimination Act to outlaw workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.”

McCain Repeatedly Voted Against Strengthening Federal Hate Crimes Legislation to Include Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation. McCain voted against adding sexual orientation to federal hate crimes legislation in 2000, 2002 and 2004.

Paid for by Obama for America

Printed in House

blueinthefaceangel's picture

Are we looking at the same person?

Again that's his belief.He supports civil unions though.We can excpect someone to change that easily.That's what alot of pepole were taught/grew up on.

 

"Has anyone seen Shane's Vigina?I think she dropped it somewhere." L word

zephyr's picture

Willful ignorance or trolling?

From the Obama official website there are three videos regarding the LGBT community.  Jamie Citron is the Deputy Director of the Obama LGBT Vote Program.  Michelle Obama made two different speeches, one to the DNC Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council in June, and one to the LGBT delegates at the Denver convention in August.  There is also a montage of Sen. Obama speaking about LGBT issues at a rally.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1681730587/bclid1685978738/bctid1757661316

Here is the link to Obama on LGBT issues: 

http://pride.barackobama.com/page/content/lgbthome

You always have a choice to be ignorant or informed.

not only but also's picture

Math is fun!

Lets see now...one post, locked profile and a convoluted argument. I'm leaning towards.....

 

 

Not Only But Also

zephyr's picture

Got to fight the fakes

...when they pop up.  They're like crab grass.
Ahhh_Cool's picture

I'm actually kind of bummed

I'm actually kind of bummed that I responded to her/his comment, even if I did agree with her/his basic point. I hate giving trolls attention, for bad or for good.
Susan Gabriel's picture

Polarizing

And people used to say that Hillary Clinton was polarizing. Palin has people either loving her or hating her, sometimes at the same time. I'll be glad when this whole thing settles down. That said, I think I'll go give more money to Obama.

www.SeekingSaraSummers.com

JT's picture

confusing

Listening to sarah palin one could get the feeling that america wants to go back to the darkness of the middle ages. i don't understand why a country - as modern and progressive in many aspects as the usa - is about to elect a woman with such an antique (and scary) view point as the next president/vice president. 

maybe growing up and living in europe, one will never be able to understand the political situation in the usa. it is rather complicated and different from most european systems.

but was not one of the main motives of the first people who went to america and founded the states freedom of religion? freedom in general? 

but then, i never understood, how bush could be elected a second time.

reading posts and blogs one gets the feeling that people in the states seem to be divided into two groups and that these tho groups are not very fond of each other being in a way the opposite of each other.

here, celebs are not being asked about who they are supporting because it is a very private issue. but we don't have this funding system either, so one thing leads to another i guess.  

the most important thing is, no matter the democratic system, that people go and vote. unfortunatelly, in my country people don't because they are so frustrated with politicians. but that's exactly the worst thing to do.

 

ice cream's picture

It is confusing

This is not a clash between two political parties, but a clash between secularists and fundamentalists (in this case primarily Protestant Christians). Her views may seem "antique", but actually her views are part of a modern religious movement that was born from the modernization/secularization of western society. For me, what is scary is that this movement has gain so much power over a short period of time and threatens to unravel the very ideals this country was built on and values.
not only but also's picture

Daughter of Hypolyta

If Palin really WAS Wonder Woman, she would have sold the invisible plane. 

Not Only But Also

jennifer from pittsburgh's picture

LOL, Not Only

On ebay, no less ;)
Ally's picture

Wonder Woman is my new

Wonder Woman is my new hero! I absolutely love what she said!

Nichole4FSU's picture

Republicans balk at celebrities who share their political views

Unless of course, they happen to BE Republicans who, say...become the Gov. of California.  Or a wrestler (WTF?) who becomes the Gov. of Minnesota.  Or the Mayor of Palm Springs.

Or even...the President of The United States of America.

So, please.  Spare me the talk from the Right Wings who giggle at the "dumb" celebrities and their opinions.

Lastly, who else loved the quote from Susan Sarandon...""Jesus Christ was a community organizer and Pontius Pilate was a governor."  ZING!

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"I'm not sorry for what I did. I'm sorry for what I didn't do."

 

zephyr's picture

Great line

...from Susan Sarandon...love her.  Where did you find it?

And besides that wasn't it community organizers that built every freaking political organization and movement?  That includes Palin's and McCain's political campaigns.

Nichole4FSU's picture

Heard it on TV

An entertainment tabloid show like ET or Extra was on.  She said it on there ,but it happened so fast I wasn't sure.  So, I Googled it to verify.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

"I'm not sorry for what I did. I'm sorry for what I didn't do."

 

StarFire's picture

Lynda Carter!

Wow, I love what she said. She is such a great person.
BreeDanger's picture

Wonder Woman

 God love Lynda Carter! I grew up with a Wonder Woman poster on my bedroom wall. Actually, I think that poster is still on the wall of my old room at my parents house! LMAO.

All I can say is, don't mess with Wonder Woman and Lasso of Truth! hahaha.

And she is still pretty damn foxy, if I do say so myself!

--B.D. + I.F. = Not just Unbreakable, Unparallelled--

Deena's picture

Amen

Amen to everything she said. I love Lynda Carter and am sick of politicians denying all my gay and lesbian friends the right to marry and love who they love. My friends are as deserving of marriage as I am if not more because they're nicer than me.
SubtextRules's picture

Here's the thing...

Politics are a double-edged sword. You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. That is partially why I hate them with a passion. I’m a very grey-minded individual. There is not one candidate out there that stands for EVERYTHING I believe in. Being a lesbian doesn’t automatically mean I have to be liberal on every single issue. This is the main reason why Lynda’s words spoke so much volume to me!

I don’t support war and I can’t understand how anyone else could. That doesn’t mean I’m against my country! I’m proud of the United States and I’m proud of those people who are brave enough to stand up for our rights. But nobody ever really wins a war. Also, what about issues pertaining to God? How can people sit there and judge one another according to the lord’s book. Excuse me; did you/do you have access to the Lord’s mind that I’m not aware of? So how can you presume to tell this world how he/she wants us to live our lives when you aren’t God! This goes back to the old saying, “well if your friends told you to jump off a bridge would you do it?” Lynda’s 100% right! What you believe is what you believe, doesn’t mean that’s what God intended it to be. Perception can be a very dangerous thing.

"I hate people, they hate me. So doesn't that classify as a healthy, functioning relationship?"

Batman's picture

THAT'S MY GIRL!!!!

I loved her little speech, almost as much as if she just said... oh fuck no.

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