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Saturday February 4, 2012

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Abbott's 'ironing housewife' a gaff?

Posted by: 2UE | 9 February, 2010 - 11:47 AM
Tony Abbot on ironing housewives and why it's a derogatory term

Have women moved beyond the term housewife? After Tony Abbott's gaff about ironing housewives, June Dally Watkins looks at the changes in the workforce and at home and why housewife is a derogatory term.


Blog comments Your Say

  • Tony Abbott what a breath of fresh air. At least now we have a politition that talks normal.
    Tony will turn krudd and his socialist crimminal mates into a one turn government.
    So keep laughing kev cause the jokes on you.

    colin Tuesday 9 February, 2010 - 10:07 PM

  • Wow all those politically correct people out there. I am a housewife and proud of it. All the women in my family going back where contented housewives. To those who find the term insulting spare a thought for those of us who call ourselves housewives. We are not some second rate being we are strong independent women who put our families first and not ourselves. we are a very necessary and important role model to our children who depend on us to be there. Our husbands support and companion. we are proud women we are not down trodden are hidding away. The feminist movement was hijacked by man hating women and they have destroyed families with their propaganda. House wife is not a dirty word nor does it infer inferior. It refers to a busy productive and responsiable person. To those who find it demeaning then take note that your comments degrade us. Tony Abbott acknowledges our position in society and speaks in respect which is a lot more than those who would degrade our position.

    janet brown Tuesday 9 February, 2010 - 5:32 PM

  • It seems that Tony should take much comfort as it seems he Tony threatens/ rattles so manyin the media and further afar as they jump on Tony for every single comment he makes

    So where is the fairness to him? he Tony did say house husbands too!
    Tony please keep speaking up people admire you for your own natural PERSONABLE and entertaining style plase dont let anyone shout you dwon nor repress you
    Nothing wrong with saying housewives*! What does Channel seven have but a show called desperate house wives So some may even find that term* very endearing!

    Cath Tuesday 9 February, 2010 - 2:03 PM

  • Maybe some women hate the word "housewife" because they are not" wives". They deem themselves "partners". God, how I hate that word. It's such a nothing word. If young women were REALLY liberated, they'd have enough confidence in themselves and their abilities they wouldn't have to defend it. I know what I am, and proud of who and what I am. Wake up girls, and have a sense of humour, and that way you'll keep your men.

    colleen Tuesday 9 February, 2010 - 1:20 PM

  • This was said during a discussion on electricity prices yet it seems to have sent the Government and both the printed and electronic media into squeals of ecstatic delight.

    I would just like to inform K. Rudd and Co. that I am very concerned about electricity prices for not only my own domestic use but for Australia's industry as well. I have not got the slightest interest in who does the ironing in any house in the country.

    Please keep that in mind Mr. Rudd and start explaining the true details, not your spin doctor's version, of your ETS policy. I doubt very much if I am the only one waiting to hear it.

    Greg O Tuesday 9 February, 2010 - 12:48 PM

  • give the man a break please..
    this POLITICAL CORRECTNESS gets up my NOSE....BYE

    JIM Tuesday 9 February, 2010 - 11:55 AM

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