Feminists everywhere believe that women should have the right to voice their opinions. In fact, that’s a cornerstone of the movement. So, a news commentator being suspended for voicing her support for a woman’s right to choose should have feminists up in arms, right?
Wrong.
Wrong, because this particular news commentator just so happens to be Tomi Lahren, former member of The Blaze, a right-wing program. In mid-March, while on The View, she explained, “I’m someone that’s for limited government. So I can’t sit here and be a hypocrite and say I’m for limited government but I think the government should decide what women do with their bodies.
I can sit here and say that, as a Republican…I’m for limited government, so stay out of my guns, and you can stay out of my body as well.”
This statement received backlash from many conservatives, primarily Glenn Beck, the founder of The Blaze. He took to Twitter, saying “Rule another label out. I am NOT a ‘constitutional.’ I believe in LIFE, liberty and property. Just an old fashioned ‘constitutionalist.’”
In response, Lahren stuck to her guns, saying that she wouldn’t apologize over her pro-choice views. As a result, she was suspended from The Blaze, and has since been terminated.
Why shouldn’t feminists run to her aid?
Lahren has built her brand on opposing everything that feminism stands for.
One example of this would be her unwavering support for President Donald Trump. President Trump has proven many times over his view women. One merely has to listen the tape of him with Billy Bush in which he gleefully shares how easy it is for him to commit sexual assault. Yet, Lahren still views President Trump in the highest esteem.
More evidence of her derision for everything that is feminism comes from what she’s said on her show. She’s repeatedly shown disdain for the Black Lives Matter movement, the Dakota Access Pipeline protesters, and illegal immigrants. True feminists, who practice intersectional feminism, understand the importance of being inclusive and accepting of everyone, recognizing the struggles they face.
By blocking out and opposing marginalized groups, Lahren has shown what she views to be of importance, and it’s definitely not feminism.
One last shining example is her reaction to the “A Day Without a Woman” protest held on International Women’s Day. Lahren voiced her strong opinion of the protest, saying “I am here at work today because I'm a woman, not a victim. I didn't wake up this morning and worry about what protest color I'd wear, or what the world would do without me because I didn't wake up feeling like the victim-hood narrative was part of my story." She also said, “I don't know about a day without women, but I could use a day without this nasty feminist BS masquerading as women's rights.
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On that note
It’s no wonder why people who proudly carry the title of being a feminist need not shed tears over Lahren’s sudden fall from The Blaze. Although it should be noted how unfair and wrong it is for the station to fire someone over differing views they may have, it’s hard to feel bad for her. Lahren has consistently put down feminism, insisting that it isn’t needed.
**Kathleen Morris is a writer for Blasting News. You can follow her on Twitter: @kat_morris101**
