Liberal women should be ashamed of their body-shaming

A columnist for the Washington Post, Kathleen Parker, recently compared White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ body to the border wall. I’m not making this up. This was not a comment yelled across a school playground by a young underdeveloped child; this was a grown female adult who claims to be a professional publicly shaming another female.

And then, as though not to be outdone, liberal so-called comedian, Chelsea Handler called her a “harlot” and a “trollop” criticizing her appearance while at the press briefing podium.

As a female and a mother of two small girls, these remarks are extremely offensive. Not to mention, the reality that in 2017 a column actually needs to be written on this topic is disheartening.

{mosads}Women have it hard enough when it comes to how we personally view our bodies. Every single day we’re bombarded with images of photo-shopped models perfectly toned, wearing the latest fashion topped off with their flawless hair. Magazine images constantly tell us that if we don’t conform to their standards, we’re not beautiful. Television commercials and Hollywood movies make us feel less than par when we compare ourselves with their tall, skinny actresses.

And, of course, where is the liberal outrage over these hurtful remarks towards the Trump administration’s top spokeswoman and most visible female official? Did feminist icons; female news anchors and the top women’s magazines like Cosmopolitan, Vogue and Marie Claire quickly come to Sanders defense? Of course not — and the silence is deafening.

Compare this to the liberal media’s response to an episode three years ago when a Republican spokesperson was forced to resign after inappropriately criticizing then-President Obama’s daughters, Sasha and Malia. On her personal Facebook page, the staffer wrote about the Obama girls’ casual wardrobe choices: “try showing a little class, … Act like being in the White House matters to you. Dress like you deserve respect, not a spot at a bar.” She was immediately barraged with a plethora of national media attention as media outlets from all over the country blasted her for her remarks and stood up for her victims. So where is that same media outrage now?

Kathleen Parker and Chelsea Handler should be ashamed of their remarks and instead of tearing down women, should focus on building them up. That can and should start with public apologies to Sanders for their hurtful remarks. You can disagree with a person on policy and debate them on legislation, but once you attack their appearance you step over the line.

The fact of the matter is, Sarah Huckabee Sanders is an example of true strength and beauty that many women should look up to. She’s only the third woman to ever hold the title of “White House press secretary” in our nation’s history and she’s the first to do so while also holding the more important title of “mom.” Watch any of her press briefings and one can tell she prepares thoroughly, ensuring that she knows far more about the leading policy issues than those asking the questions.

She responds to the press corps firmly but with a genuine southern charm. In a very high-pressured job she carries herself with dignity, staying true to her personal beliefs all while in the public eye.

Simply put, Parker and Chandler do women everywhere a disservice, while Sanders serves as one they can look up to.

Mary Vought is a Republican strategist. Follow her on Twitter @MaryVought.