The term grunch means the sensation a woman has when she was for a time free of conscious awareness of the male gaze and did not feel othered, but is then reminded in some way that she is a woman first and a geek (or colleague, or writer, etc) a distant second. That is, being grunched is the sensation of being firmly and unexpectedly othered. Emphasis on unexpected . . .
This happens in every setting and is a big issue in politics. This election year has been terrible for women on the national stage and in treatment by both parties in platforms, policies, statements, actions, support and overwhelming abandonment of reproductive justice and women's health. Wage inequalities and the poorest USians are women and children. Yet these things are not in the 2012 election coverage. Not a whisper in local politics . . .
Local politics treats women's rights like Kryptonite. Like this week's behavior by the mayor and even the press, something of importance (breaking the rules) is being treated like a joke. The dismissal through claiming It was just a joke. Where is your sense of humor?" This really can make the "othered" the marginalized angry.
Please watch how the Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard, dealt with the opposition's lies, sexism and patronizing lectures. Wow, just wow. Here's some background.
Misogyny is at a worldwide crisis level. Said it before, democracy is a raucus, passionate affair. What a contrast to our meetings where a clap, a call out, an interruption or ill-timed objection is gaveled and threatened. Call the police! Somehow parliments in many countries are able to survive a lack of decorum and call for respect, for justice and freedom for all. Enjoy
