I used to assume that some SGU listeners just didn’t like me, but it has since become crystal clear to me that a huge number of them are, in fact, sexist asses. It’s not just the thinly veiled sexist language, though obviously when someone uses words like “bitch” or “cunt” that tips the hand. What really ended up convincing me is the simple fact that they call me out for being stupid or immature, but do not mention my co-hosts. As the host and perennial straight man, Steve obviously does the most talking, but I am certainly the equal of Bob, Evan, and Jay in terms of intellectual contributions to the show, despite the fact that we’re all different and go through our good and bad days.
So, I get emails. My fellow Skepchicks saw this exchange behind the scenes and encouraged me to share them with you, so here they are! Enjoy, or don’t enjoy if you tend to get depressed by the fact that this sort of email sometimes appears several times a month.
The following information was submitted via theskepticsguide.org Contact Form:
Subject: Canadian Minister of Science
Message: I just listened to your podcast #191 wherein you trashed our Canadian Minister of Science Education. You suggested (actually, more than suggested) that someone with as little knowledge of science as he possesses is the wrong person to hold that high office.
I heartily disagree. He is the PERFECT person for the office of Minister of Science Education. You just have to understand Eddy’s Theory of Legislation, which states that “Legislation can only be written by those who know absolutely nothing about the topic.”
Study almost any legislation that is passed and you will see Eddy’s Theory of Legislation at work.
Happy New Year everyone.
Eddy
P.S. Please tell me that Rebecca is blonde. That will explain so much.
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From: Rebecca Watson
To: eddy
Sent: Saturday, January 02, 2010 1:16 PM
What would my hair color explain, exactly?
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Hi Rebecca;
Sorry….It’s just that sometimes you say the silliest things.
I was particularly annoyed in episode 188 when you objected so strongly to an interesting discussion of deep vein thrombosis. I found the subject interesting, and applicable, but you cut it off.
I am sure that you are a very nice person, but you need to be more critical of your on-air character.
You do, however, occasionally add humour.
Happy New Year,
Eddy
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Hi Ed,
I’m not sure I’ve ever said anything as silly as your “PS.” Blonde jokes are sexist, tired, and immature, and as rude as your follow-up email. I’m not sure why you felt it necessary to randomly insult a person you don’t know, but I hope in the future you spend your time in a more fruitful manner.
Rebecca
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Hi Rebecca;
I am sorry that you are offended, but sometimes I find that many of the things that you say on the podcast are slightly less than brilliant.
I also think that a person who wishes to be regarded as a celebrity should expect some negative feedback, and have a thicker skin. I do not wish to be mean, just honest, and offer my comments in a genuine desire to improve an excellent show.
Warmest regards,
Ed
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My skin is plenty thick enough. I just believe that some people are so socially inept that it might benefit them were someone to point it out. Asking if I’m a blonde is not in any way “honest,” or a “genuine desire to improve” the show. Such obvious lies won’t bail you out.
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The difference between our mutual insults, I believe, is that I am attempting (apparently unsuccessfully) to be a little humorous and light hearted, whereas you are taking the matter far too seriously.
Let us call a truce.
And have a Happy New Year.
Cheers,
Eddy
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The final refuge: “Just kidding!”
I suspect you think I’m taking the matter too seriously because you expected to be able to insult me without me defending myself. There is nothing humorous and light-hearted about singling me out for being “less than brilliant” while giving congratulatory pats on the back to my co-hosts.
I don’t need your truce or your approval, and now that I’ve seen that your “negative feedback” is empty and nonconstructive, I’ll drop the conversation.
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Rebecca;
Lighten up !
Actually, I assumed that you are extremely bright, and an excellent actress to project the ditzy blonde image that you often do on the show.
I meant my comments as a constructive suggestion to allow your on-air “character” to sound more intelligent, and let your true genius show through.
You are making me wonder if you were indeed acting.
’nuff said.
I still enjoy the show.
Cheers,
Eddy
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Fin.
To quote Tracy’s reaction: “I have never seen an about-turn like that. When he said that your being blonde would explain so much, what he actually meant was that you’re an excellent actress for pretending to be dumb? That is the most cack-handed insult (to you AND blondes) ever.”
I concur.