Since People Keep Asking: Lena Dunham’s Pro-Obama Ad

~ Clarissa

Reader el asks me how I feel about this notorious pro-Obama ad:

I hate this ad and find it to be not only tasteless but also offensive to me as a woman. Can a young woman do nothing, not even vote, without some sexual meaning being attached to her actions?

Anybody who has been reading this blog for any period of time knows that I’m no prude and that I don’t overuse words like “objectification” and “sexualization.” But if there ever were an instance of a young woman being objectified gratuitously, needlessly, and ridiculously to make some completely idiotic point, this is it.

Of course, I don’t see a single “feminist” website criticizing this ad. When a lingerie commercial shows half-naked women, that gets criticized as sexualizing because God forbid anybody should connect the idea of lingerie and sex. But when there is an ad protagonized by a woman who pretends to be a total air-head and argues that she only votes because of something vaguely sexual, no feminist condemnation is forthcoming.

It also annoys me that the ad uses a mix of extremely conservative cliches about female sexuality to promote a supposedly progressive message.

I don’t know what the point of the ad was. That women only vote for Obama because he is cute? That young women are stupid and can only blabber incoherently about nothing whatsoever? That young women are “hormonally driven” in all of their decisions? That Obama only appeals to those who are not extremely brilliant?

P.S. Yes, yes, I know this shit is supposed to be funny. If this clip entertains you, you probably really enjoy Hollywood comedies as well. I don’t, so forgive me for gagging instead of laughing. Feel free to go watch some American Pie to calm yourself down.

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Published by Clarissa

25 thoughts on “Since People Keep Asking: Lena Dunham’s Pro-Obama Ad”

  4. I think that David Gendron’s link might indicate why feminists are hesitant to critique Obama for this ad right now. The American political/ religious right is truly terrfying. Obama isn’t awesome on women’s issues. But Romney is so so so so so bad when it comes to issues of gender and sexuality that I get slightly sick when I think of the possibility of him winning the election. And the election is so close right now that I think most feminist efforts are concentrated on critiquing Romney and on generating voter enthusiasm for Obama. We can go back to critiquing Obama after he wins. 😉

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    1. Did you find it funny?I am sincerely curious to hear other women’s reactions to this. I honestly found it really icky. Like they were suggesting that Obama was going to have sex with every single female first time voter (who is of course 18.) And it also perpetuates weird myths about virginity: i.e. the first time needs to be “special”; virginigty is a gift etc etc

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    1. I did skim that _Village Voice_ article. And I of course agree that the Republican response is overblown and off target. Most of it (like many of the Right’s “critiques” of Obama) is thinly veiled racism (i.e. “Obama is coming for your daughters.”) So I am not condoning the right’s response. Still, I found the ad problematic. It seems really difficult for Americans to involve women in public, political discourse successfully. Not to mention that the functions only within a heterosexual paradigm: what is a young voter wants her “first time” to be with a woman?

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      1. ” So I am not condoning the right’s response. Still, I found the ad problematic. It seems really difficult for Americans to involve women in public, political discourse successfully.”

        – Exactly. Imagine Hillary Clinton releasing a similar ad featuring a young man.

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  7. I had little idea of the tone of the political discourse in USA, but I imagine this is why the right wingers are identifying Obama with birth control. I’ll post an interaction, just to demonstrate how ludicrous the tone of the debate seems from this end, far away from the US. Please delete it after reading, if you like.

    Art Jesse: I am jumping in with the old favorite “God helps those that help themselves” maybe a few people need to step up and assume control of their own lives instead of depending on the government. Also if you don’t want us to have a say in your life don’t demand we pay for birth control AND abortions. IMHO
    21 hours ago • Like

    Art Jesse: Romney just wants to take the gov’t out of your reproductive cyle, not outlaw birth control or abortions. and I agree

    Jennifer Frances Armstrong:: When did I demand that?
    Jennifer Frances Armstrong: The thing about some Americans is they are very stupid. For instance, they will assert something like “Jennifer demanded an abortion.” Suddenly the idiots are “in my life”.
    Nina Selah: …….and every time I see some conversations like this…..it’s white American men…….
    Jennifer Frances Armstrong: And every time I see one, they have this complete fantasy idea about the kind of person I am, what I believe or don’t believe, my level of education (they assume it must be equal or less than theirs, at least in terms of the knowledge that really matters). They keep assuming I’m from the USA, or that I share their cultural knowledge, even when I point out this is not the case.
    Nina Selah: ….yes Jennifer ….it’s LOL funny how these assumptions are actually made……
    Jennifer Frances Armstrong: Not just that they are made as assumptions, but you can correct the error over and over, and still the fixed ideas remain.
    Nina Selah: yes
    Art Jesse: you are right about assumptions sticking even if not right. That goes for the assumptions about Mitt Romney. Maybe you should see what he is really about and his opinion of everyones rights (not just women).
    Jennifer Frances Armstrong: Why don’t you educate me about his opinion on actual human beings’ rights?
    Art Jesse: well so far he has stated he will follow the US Constitution and all people are entitled that coverage . He is pro-life and respects the US Supreme courts decisions. He does not have to agree with them, just recognise and support the judgements. If he follows the constitution as written we will be in better shape than we are now. As a business man he recognises that regulations and high taxes drive business out of our country and we lose revenue and JOBS.
    Jennifer Frances Armstrong: So he’s promised what to the actual human beings? I take it that you consider a fetus a human being, but I’m asking, what about the humans themselves? How are they covered?
    Art Jesse: well he will not take over an entire industry-to control it, yes a fetus is a human being but those of us that are lucky enough to survive to birth he will live by the constitution so we can live our lives with less goverment control. he is not promising any money, free stuff or even a job. Just to give us an atmosphere that encourages the businesses to grow and hire more employees. There by letting those that wish to, to work and buy their own stuff. the best government if the one that does less governing.
    Art Jesse: if people just want to life of the government than they need to be motivated to take control of their own lifes and earn their own keep.

    Art Jess:e Obama has the welfare rolls at an all time high and growing, (among other things) this needs to change. So vote him out.

    Jennifer Frances Armstrong: Well, all I can say is good luck with your “atmosphere” that promotes business growth, and may you have many, many fetuses to care about.

    Nina Selah To @Art Jesse……..many people who do not want Mitt Romney in power know exactly what he’s on about – and that is why we don’t want him…….the assumption that if we knew what he was about we would therefore want him in the White House is just plain wrong……Mitt Romney is a Republican and a millionaire and he has stated many, many positions that are the opposite of what I want in this world. So to not want Mitt Romney does not mean we don’t know about him. Like most Republicans he wants less resources headed toward the poorest people. Less healthcare, less education and the list goes on. I believe taxation is a GREAT thing, because the people with resources re-distribute some of their wealth toward the more needy. I love paying my tax – and I pay big tax – because here in Australia I do not see nearly as many homeless and poor people as I see every time I go to America. I am married to an American, and I think America is the best example in the world of what is so wrong with capitalism………there’s nothing “free” about free enterprise as it’s practiced in America. So yes, we know all about Mitt Romney and guess what? We just don’t like him. Plain and simple……..It’s called an educated opinion……..and the best thing about democracy is that i’m allowed to have my opinion…….you can even have yours too……even if it’s uneducated……..LOL…….

    Jennifer Frances Armstrong: I also wish them good atmospheres…atmospheres for business. This is what Romney will deliver them. Personally I prefer the cool breeze on a hot day.

    Art Jesse Obama is a democrate and a millionaire and never held a jod in the public sector. So?
    Jennifer Frances Armstrong: Doesn’t matter, because he can’t deliver you less than Romney is promising: “atmospheres” and fetuses.
    Art Jesse: If you love to pay you taxes I bet you could give even more if you really wanted to. You have enough problems in Australia so why not fix your country instead of screw with mine? If redistribution is so great , why don’t all the people that feel that way give their money to the gov’t?
    Jennifer Frances Armstrong: If I gave my money to the government, where would the fetuses get their money? They would become homeless.

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    1. “Please delete it after reading, if you like.”

      – Oh no, this is too precious for that. 🙂

      “The thing about some Americans is they are very stupid. For instance, they will assert something like “Jennifer demanded an abortion.” Suddenly the idiots are “in my life”.”

      – Have you noticed how this word “demands” crops up in everything they say? I recently had a long debate with an American Libertarian here in this blog who insisted that since I have job that means that I DEMAND a job. Although I already have it. But I still demand it. In spite of having it. When I asked him to clarify, he told me that words are interchangeable because the universe is in flux, or something of the kind. Now you know how I felt during that discussion. 🙂

      “may you have many, many fetuses to care about.”

      – You are the best. 🙂 🙂

      “Doesn’t matter, because he can’t deliver you less than Romney is promising: “atmospheres” and fetuses.”

      – I love this putdown, too. 🙂

      “If I gave my money to the government, where would the fetuses get their money? They would become homeless.”

      – Your opponent is kind of boring but you are GOOD.

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  8. I haven’t read deeply into the matter, but I do know that at least there are quite a few non-American feminists who were disgusted by the ad. Not having any reason to back Obama and not blinded by American-style sexism they are able to see right through it.

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  9. I am an American-Canadian feminist, and my fellow Canadian feminists all found it tasteless and obnoxious. Though our response may be coloured by not finding Lena Dunham’s brand of comedy to be especially amusing, and definitely not as “groundbreaking” as everyone blathers on about it being.

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      1. Maybe it’s just because I’m an American woman and therefore not possessed of the wisdom shown by woman of other cultures ? Instruct me, oh wise ones.

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        1. “Maybe it’s just because I’m an American woman and therefore not possessed of the wisdom shown by woman of other cultures ? Instruct me, oh wise ones.”

          – Yes, unfortunately American feminism lags behind that of many other countries.

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  10. Before reading further, it’s important to note that I may be what people call a “hater” when it comes to Dunham and I have wasted too much precious time researching her work and her life because I’m looking for some breadcrumb that would explain why she fell into success so much easier and faster than lots of people in her industry. I’m sorry if that shows through this post, but I won’t be nasty.

    I don’t understand why someone on the Obama campaign would pick someone that has been so divisive just within liberal circles alone. I understand that Slate and Huffington Post have the biggest crush on Dunham since I have yet to find a single negative thing written about her by these publications (except for this: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ruth-fowler/girls-show_b_1439403.html, but it’s an op-ed written by an aspiring screenwriter so she’s obviously just being jealous ) But all the various op-eds and/or blog posts about her show’s lack of diversity? That surely wasn’t an overwhelming amount of conservative bloggers lending their hand to the cause.
    Also, I should make it clear that I don’t think she’s racist, just very sheltered and ignorant. How can a girl that grew up in New York City be that sheltered? Well just ask her mother who referred to Lena at 24 years old as “just a child” in one of Dunham’s own essays. That’s a big clue for me.

    I’ve heard that the Dunham ad wasn’t trying to swing undecided voters but rather just shoring up the base. For a day, I acted like a child and regretted my early ballot Obama vote just because I don’t like that even a few people on his campaign staff would think of “the base” as a bunch of drifting trust fund hipsters who look toward some Mother Hipster as a beacon. But I got over it because I’m not voting for Dunham. I’m voting for Obama…who probably didn’t even know about the ad until a few days after it was published. However, it’s still up on youtube so he’s probably cool with it, sadly.

    As for the suggestion that this ad is demeaning to women, it’s hard for me to say with an unbiased opinion. What I can say is that if I saw this same ad done by Sarah Silverman on FunnyOrDie, I probably would’ve liked it since I like comedians and I like political comedy at its most absurd.
    But this wasn’t a cutesy sex joke on a comedy site. This was endorsed by the Obama campaign and it featured a girl who isn’t a comedian nor does she really bring anything to the table in terms of real political discourse or women’s rights. All in all, I don’t like it because for 60 seconds, it made my pick for President look as immature and ignorant as the star in this ad. And that’s offensive.

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    1. ” I don’t like that even a few people on his campaign staff would think of “the base” as a bunch of drifting trust fund hipsters who look toward some Mother Hipster as a beacon”

      – I don’t know who you are, but I like you. This is a BRILLIANT turn of phrase. Thank you for leaving this comment! Can somebody give thumbs-up to this comment since I don’t have access right now? “Drifting trust fund hipsters” is the best.

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  11. When I watched the ad, I thought it was a prank — surely Team Obama would not stoop to supporting something that ludicrous. Then I saw articles at Huffington Post and at another “liberal” site praising it and concluded that it must be real. Apparently it is. Why would Team Obama support it? It seems to have offended more women than it pleased. Certainly, the goal was not to drive even a few away.

    Yesterday, I received just one begging e-mail from Team Obama — that’s about the average — and today I received three, complaining that they are some $45,000,000 behind the Romney camp in funds for the few days remaining in the campaign. I confess, I had some fun with it at my blog this afternoon.

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