Fuck You, Phyllis Schlafly

So, Phyllis Schlafly, the woman-hating-woman who, in 2007, said this:

"By getting married, the woman has consented to sex, and I don't think you can call it rape."

got her honorary degree from WashU after all, although several hundred commencement ceremony attendees stood up to turn their back on her. Schlafly gained much of her infamy from her comments on the illegitimacy of marital rape claims, but also has been responsible for such gems as:

"Sexual harassment on the job is not a problem for virtuous women, except in the rarest of cases. Men hardly ever ask sexual favors of women from whom the certain answer is no. Virtuous women are seldom accosted." -TIME Mag 1981

and

“Sex education classes are like in-home sales parties for abortions.” -EagleForum newsletter

and countless other ridiculous attacks on feminism, the ERA, women in scientific fields...oh hell, the whole female half of the population in general.

But what I think is so funny is her reaction to the silent protesters, who she referred to as "losers" and "not mature enough to graduate." And also, the introductory comment (from Margaret Bush Wilson): "It is Phyllis Schlafly’s persona — not her politics or views — which is being recognized here today." Okay...why? Why would we applaud "persona" or success and disregard values? Schlafly is a St Louis native-- I'm sure there are plenty of charming hospitable racists who can make great Jell-O salad, but most southern states are probably not looking to elect them as representatives. "Mein Kampf" has sold hundreds of copies but the University of Berlin is not going to have a neo-Nazi commencement speaker. UGH.