In an effort to involve myself more in the onging Canadian Federal Election, I sat through the entire leader's debate (a trial in itself). The only comment that really stunned me came from Jack Layton, the leader of the left-wing NDP.

At one point, in response to a question regarding the lack of civility in question period (which apparently even stunned a "rock star"), Layton declared that he would solve the problem of civility with women.

That's right. His point is that the NDP has the highest percentage of female candidates, and that having more women would naturally bring calm and civility to parliament.

Ick.

Seriously, am I the only one who was completetly turned off by this reasoning? That sounds like an incredibly paternalistic remark to me. I admit I get frustrated by anyone who makes sweeping generalizations based on gender, but haven't we outgrown the calm and collected "civilizing influence" steroptype?

To me the hidden message here is that women can't get into the fray, that they haven't the strength and stamina for dirty politics. Our delicate constitutions just aren't up to it.

I wonder what Layton's wife Olivia Chow, running for parliament herself, thinks about this characterization?

Posted by Ginna Dowler
(Cross-posted to Gin and Tonic, where comments are enabled)