Ugh. It’s really difficult for women to represent themselves as more than just a collection of lady parts when an article like this is published. CNN gave space to an article describing a “study” that suggests women’s voting preferences are dictated by their hormones. Yes, really:
The researchers found that during the fertile time of the month, when levels of the hormone estrogen are high, single women appeared more likely to vote for Obama and committed women appeared more likely to vote for Romney, by a margin of at least 20%, [researcher Kristina Durante] said. This seems to be the driver behind the researchers’ overall observation that single women were inclined toward Obama and committed women leaned toward Romney.
Here’s how Durante explains this: When women are ovulating, they “feel sexier,” and therefore lean more toward liberal attitudes on abortion and marriage equality. Married women have the same hormones firing, but tend to take the opposite viewpoint on these issues, she says.
“I think they’re overcompensating for the increase of the hormones motivating them to have sex with other men,” she said. It’s a way of convincing themselves that they’re not the type to give in to such sexual urges, she said.
So, basically, liberal women want abortions when they’re “feeling sexy,” and conservative women need to work overtime to avoid becoming promiscuous? Huh?
Women on both sides of the political aisle were disgusted:
How indeed? Looks like post-menopausal women might as well just stay home (in the kitchen, perhaps).
If only some of the liberal women decrying the article realized that President Obama views them in the same way the study does.
Men were offended as well:
https://twitter.com/HoboWriterDK/status/261232275776221184
Ace of Spades thoroughly shredded this B.S. “study” on his blog. Be sure to read the whole thing.
That’s a pretty good theory, right there.
Whatever happened to the idea that women voted based on their morals? CNN should be ashamed for giving any credence to such a sexist piece of pseudo-science.
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Update: CNN has quickly pulled the entire article from its site for not meeting “editorial standards.”
https://twitter.com/TamforRandR/status/261263079994712064
Post removed: Study looks at voting and hormones
A post previously published in this space regarding a study about how hormones may influence voting choices has been removed.
After further review it was determined that some elements of the story did not meet the editorial standards of CNN.
We thank you for your comments and feedback.
Suggested replacement post: CNN shocks readers by claiming to have editorial standards.
