nourishing obscurity

It wouldn’t have been right to let the recent series on The Importance of Being Right go by without allowing right of reply.

Witterings from Witney had a post called Political Scandal [2], in which he links to Carrie Fox’s article at the Spectator called Welcome to the Jungle.   The article itself, as stated in the fine print, “first appeared in the print edition of The Spectator magazine, dated May 21, 2011″.   This below is a summary of the main points.

Her thesis is that of her colleague – five women could bring down a third of Westminster [the male variety anyway].

David [W from W] comments:

“If five women were able to bring down a third of MPs then I for one would willing contribute towards an annual stipend for them.”

Her answer to this is:

Snitching is a hiding to nowhere. They would be forever known, not for any political feats they may go on to achieve, but for sinking a famous man. Unless it goes too far, harassment is a small price to pay for an interesting career. This would be completely unacceptable in a normal workplace, perhaps, but the Palace of Westminster is anything but normal.

She identifies four types of predatory male MPs:

1.  The gorilla

An alpha male who considers the pick of the pack his due, and because like my own big beast and like DSK, he’s often ape-like in appearance: big-headed, heavy-handed, nimble on his feet when a female hoves into view. The most powerful men in politics are often gorillas; great silverbacks, indifferent to the posturing of lesser males, confident that their supplicant mates will stay loyal no matter what.

2.  The snake

The most insidious predator, the sort who offers to trade information or advancement for sexual favours. Like that very first serpent, he’ll make it seem a reasonable exchange, but you entertain a snake at your peril. There’s no limit to how low they can slither.

3.  The spider

Usually an older, more experienced predator, who weaves a web around his victim before drawing her in. Let’s take the example of one spidery peer, who has a very distinctive pattern of web. This peer is notorious for complimenting girls on an item of clothing: their boots, say, or a blouse. He’ll then invite the youngster out to lunch and when they accept, send a text suggesting that they wear this particular item — just for him.

4.  Monkey man

There’s no planning, stalking or pouncing involved and often no wives to deceive, rather a compulsive propensity to try it on with almost any lady at almost any time — just on the off-chance they agree. Monkey men are often short and were rarely attractive when young. Just a tiny whiff of power goes straight to their groins.

Naturally, male commenters were not going to like it:

I’ve never seen such a cowardly, pathetic pile of drivel as this cringing, whingeing, snivelling piece of victimhood. Good job you gave a false name – the men won’t be after you, but women might want to have a word.

Sorry, I’m going to have to break ranks here and agree with her.  I’ve seen them in action and they’re cringeworthy.   I mean, they could at least show some panache, just a little.

Another commenter made a good point:

Carrie forgot the most common form of male sexual being: the lemming.

They’re the ones who are just minding their own business when one day a pretty girl takes their eye (indeed, the pretty girl may even have purposely placed herself when the eye will be caught).

Thereafter, sound judgement goes out of the window as hormones and a flattered ego take charge.

Oh yeah and it doesn’t have to be an MP.   How many of us have fallen and reason has taken a holiday?   I should think most of us.  Had to chuckle at one comment though:

She fails to name any of the beasts apart from poor old Lord Strathclyde who, I understand, is, to quote Blackadder, ‘hung like a baboon’. (An animal strangely missing from Foxy lady’s bestiary).

Filed under: Politics & economics