Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity- CAAWS

| Français | Home |

	CAAWS PROGRAMS

	Mothers in Motion

	On the Move

	Young Women and Tobacco

	Homophobia in Sport

	VIEWS

	Women 55 - 70

	ACTive

	Girls@Play

	Olympic/Paralympic

PRINT THIS PAGE

April 12, 2006

GENDER EQUITY

Winnipeg Mayor ripped for 'Hefner' comment at Olympic tribute

Winnipeg Free Press
by Gabrielle Giroday

MAYOR Sam Katz has been criticized for referring to the five Olympic athletes at yesterday's tribute ceremony as "beautiful females" whose up-close presence made him "feel like Hugh Hefner."

"It's just really pathetic," said Janice Dodd, a University of Manitoba women's studies professor. Hugh Hefner is the 80-year-old founder and creator of the Playboy magazine empire, a publication that features nude photos of women.

"I certainly wouldn't put these women in the category of the (Playboy) bunnies, which is the current thing going on with Hefner's parties," said Dodd.

"These are accomplished women who have done extraordinary things, and it's disappointing that (Playboy bunnies are) the only other women he can think to compare them to."

Near the beginning of his speech to the crowd of 400 people at the Exchange District's Old Market Square, Katz made reference to the five athletes standing behind him by gesturing at the women and saying: "Yes, they're all beautiful females -- not a man among 'em. And I have been reminded of that."

Later, in an exchange with a television reporter, he said being with the women made him "feel like Hugh Hefner."

Katz said in an interview later last night he found critiques of his Hefner quip "ridiculous," especially in light of positive comments he made about the athletes' training and family support.

"(The Olympic athletes) are fine with it," he said. "And if they're fine, I'm fine."

However, some others begged to differ, saying the remark smacked of sexist overtones.

"It's an unfortunate slip of the tongue, but it's a good demonstration of how systemic discrimination still exists in today's world," said Barbara Bowes, president of Bowes Human Resources. Bowes said although Katz may have been joking around when he made the remark, it could have a harmful aftermath on Winnipeggers' perceptions.

gabrielle.giroday@freepress.mb.ca

Transcript of remarks

Some of Mayor Sam Katz's televised comments yesterday:

During a formal presentation at Old Market Square yesterday, Katz referred to the five athletes standing behind him: "Yes, they're all beautiful females -- not a man among 'em. And I have been reminded of that."
Later in his remarks, he referred to them as "special ladies."

After the formal remarks, Katz was interviewed by Shaw Cable TV:

REPORTER: Mayor, how was it to be up there with those wonderful ladies? You talked about girl power -- there certainly was a lot of it up there today, wasn't there?

SAM KATZ: There certainly was. I guess it just goes to show where the real power is. It was a thrill for me, and I think a thrill for all the people here who actually got a chance today to meet and greet and maybe get an autograph. These are not only great athletes, they're very great, classy women, period.

R: You have the opportunity, obviously, in your role as mayor, to meet a lot of people in a lot of different roles. How did this rank today?

SK: It could be No. 1, for all I know. As a matter of fact, I made the comment, for the first time, I got to feel like Hugh Hefner. (laughs)

R: Well... I wonder how the girls will feel about that.

SK: Oh, they heard it live. It's OK. No, we talked about the talent. It's a great day; it's a great celebration. It's a phenomenal celebration, and it's a way of saying thank you to all these great athletes. That's what today is all about."

We want your views

Were mayor's comments out of line?

E-mail the reasons for your answer to
feedback@freepress.mb.ca

© 2006 The Winnipeg Free Press. All rights reserved.

======================

Thursday, April 13th, 2006

Winnipeg Free Press

EDITORIAL - Mr. Katz blunders

MAYOR Sam Katz reduced Manitoba's top female Olympians to a bunch of babes in bunny ears during a gala homecoming for them yesterday. Yeesh.

Mr. Katz had the honour of delivering Winnipeg's thanks to Olympic medallists Clara Hughes, Shannon Rempel, Jennifer Botterill, Cindy Klassen -- Canada's greatest Olympian -- and Sami Jo Small. "Yes, they're all beautiful females -- not a man among 'em," he said. "And I have been reminded of that."

And then this: "(F)or the first time, I got to feel like Hugh Hefner," Mr. Katz told a reporter.

Mr. Katz sees nothing wrong in his remarks, which measured the women by how they look, rather than their achievements. They were demeaning and inappropriate and he is wrong in refusing to apologize.

Canadians and the speedskating world were awe-struck by what Ms. Klassen did in Turin in February, medalling in all five of her events to bring her total to six Olympic wins, a record in Canada. Clara Hughes made Olympic history, too, by medalling four times -- twice in Summer Olympics in cycling and twice, now, in Winter Olympics, in speedskating. Mr. Katz could not help noticing that fact he was the lone man on stage at the Old Market Square, amid five "beautiful females".

Sam Katz is not Hugh Hefner, a flesh merchant who, as founder of Playboy magazine, surrounds himself with beautiful, buxom and young women while making his living dealing in the commodification of women's bodies. Mr. Katz is our mayor and what he says, in representing Winnipeg, counts. He congratulated the Olympians for their accomplishments, but he then diminished all that with his Hefner remark, reducing elite athletes to sex objects.

An international survey commissioned by the Dove Self-Esteem Fund released this week found that Canadian women, having made their way through the sexually liberating 1960s and into the boardrooms in the '70s and '80s, continue to define themselves by their appearance. More than half the women surveyed are uncomfortable with their body image, while among teenage girls, more wished to be more athletic.

Mr. Katz believed his Hefner remark was innocuous, and said the Olympians were "fine with it." The mayor should not mistake what might have been a gesture of social grace and civility for approval of his bumpkin blunder.

The Dove self-esteem survey suggests Mr. Hefner's lucrative porn empire, the impact of media stereotypes of women as sexual icons and the off-hand remarks of public officer holders carry considerable weight. And that is particularly relevant to the young women who showed up Tuesday to see their sports heroes celebrated.

© 2006 Winnipeg Free Press. All Rights Reserved.

======================

Thursday, April 13th, 2006

Winnipeg Free Press

These women are not girls or bunnies, they're athletes

HUGH Hefner, for those of you born in recent times, is an old lech who created a skin mag considered shocking in 1953. He turned 80 recently, surrounded by a bevy of women who pose naked for money.

Sam Katz is the 55-year-old mayor of Winnipeg, a former nightclub owner and baseball impresario. He stuck his loafer in his mouth Tuesday by comparing himself to Hefner while surrounded by five of our finest Olympic athletes.

You can't fault the mayor's thinking because he clearly wasn't doing any.

People say stupid things. They don't usually say them in front of a crowd, repeat them to a television reporter and get shirty when a newspaper reporter calls for comment.

But the mayor did -- and he went even further.

While paying tribute to Olympians Sami Jo Small, Shannon Rempel, Jennifer Botterill, Cindy Klassen and Clara Hughes, he referred to them as "beautiful females" and "special ladies."

He stopped shy of calling them "pretty little girls."

Note to mayor: They're women. They're athletes. They have achieved the ultimate honor because they and their families have sacrificed, trained, endured and triumphed. They aren't bunnies and they aren't girls.

And if you truly style yourself as a latter-day Hugh Hefner, you won't be mayor much longer.
When we spoke yesterday afternoon, Katz was unapologetic.

"I think it's a shame that one comment is getting all the attention," he said. "My regret is that some individuals decided to focus on the negative."
He swears the five women said they didn't mind his comments.

Katz said he paid tribute to the athletes, is proud of their contributions and knows the city appreciates their collective efforts.

The mayor's loose lips reminded me of comments made recently by Don Kuryk, a senior provincial government employee now suspended without pay after being caught on tape making sexist remarks about a First Nation leader.

Kuryk referred to Gladys Powderhorn, the former chief of Tadoule Lake as "a sweetie" and said she "must have been a good-looking bitch when she was younger."

Kuryk, who apologized profusely, said his comments were locker room talk.

But he wasn't in a locker room and the mayor wasn't at the Playboy mansion. They are both men of power whose public faces slipped and revealed their ingrained attitudes. Katz believes he was complimenting the Olympians when he drew attention to their physical appearance along with their athletic achievements.

He was dead wrong. He had no right to sexualize these champions.

The women are an inspiration to girls across the country. Their example has already led kids to their sports; to believe they, too, can dream of winning Olympic medals. The five prove that every little girl has the potential to grow up strong, competitive and powerful if they work hard enough.

Those future Olympians shouldn't have to worry about having a middle-aged man declare them easy on the eyes.

Sam Katz isn't likely to change his attitude. The most we can hope for is that he realizes it's not acceptable for a mayor to publicly comment on the looks of our finest athletes.
If he doesn't, maybe a little one-on-one with Sami Jo Small would help.

She can wear skates. He can wear the chain of office with his velvet smoking jacket.

lindor.reynolds@freepress.mb.ca

======================

Thursday, April 13th, 2006

Winnipeg Free Press

Time for Katz to quit

MAYOR Sam Katz continually demonstrates poor judgment that embarrasses Winnipeggers.

Yesterday, when charged with the responsibility of welcoming home our world-class athletes and members of the Order of Manitoba whose perseverance, dedication and sacrifices for their sport and our country have brought joy and honour to us all, Katz embarrassed himself and the city in front of the whole country.

By distilling the essence of these fine young women in the most misogynist of comparisons, Katz has disqualified himself from any and all forms of leadership.

An abject apology would suggest that this behaviour was somehow unusual and a slip-up, but the record shows it's time to resign, Mr. Katz.

SHANE NESTRUCK
Winnipeg

======================

Thursday, April 13th, 2006

Winnipeg Free Press

Remarks were inoffensive

IF I were Sam Katz, I would be throwing my hands up. His bantering remarks about feeling like Hugh Hefner as he was surrounded by the smiling five Olympians were entirely inoffensive.

What have we come to when we are offended by a harmless remark such as this? I have worked mainly with men and boys all through my teaching career, and believe me, I would recognize an insult if I heard one. Rarely did I have to twirl a man about the room (for his own good) because I felt offended.

I have a feeling that the humourless, politically correct brigade needn't fear such "insults." Carry on, Mr. Katz. I don't expect you had any complaints from these wonderful young women who are confident and secure enough to recognize a joke when they hear it.

BERNADETTE PHILLIPS
East St. Paul

======================

Thursday, April 13th, 2006

Winnipeg Free Press

Respect all women equally

I am more disturbed by Janice Dodd's response than I am by Mayor Sam Katz's statements. To say that it is "disappointing" that Katz could only think to compare these extraordinary, accomplished Olympic athletes to Playboy bunnies presupposes that this second group of women is somehow less extraordinary; less accomplished.

Who is she to judge a woman's worth or level of success by what she chooses to do with her life? Is one category of women worth more than an other? Shouldn't a professor of women's studies promote categorical equality? The only person who managed to insult a group of women was Dodd.

We need to strive to value and respect all women equally.

DEB DYCK
Winnipeg

======================

Thursday, April 13th, 2006

Winnipeg Free Press

Katz's attitude unacceptable

WHILE your paper published the commentary of two prominent Winnipeg women, this incident also calls for men to step forward and be heard in the interests of evolution.

My prayer for my mayor is that he will embrace the new awareness he is being offered in this controversy. Rather than defend, I pray he will learn. I have faith in him. Forty years ago, I might have agreed with Sam Katz's remarks and his defence. Thirty years ago after the birth of my daughters, I might have wanted to break his windpipe. I hope that I have evolved.

By custom and in ceremony the mayor is called upon to be diplomatic and graceful. The remarks attributed to him yesterday are neither. The Hefner reference is bad enough. Worse were his comment that there was "...not a man among 'em." Is he too obtuse to understand the implications of such crap?

Katz's defence that "...they heard it live. It's OK" tells me the Olympians are diplomatic and gracious when he is not.

The mayor can learn that his remarks belie attitudes that are no longer acceptable in civilized society.

I still support Mr. Katz as our mayor. And I am calling on him to model the growth in awareness that many "old boys" might follow. I have faith that my mayor is up to the challenge. He may look for inspiration from his daughter, from our Olympic heroines, or from the man he may become.

That is my prayer for my mayor and my daughters. And my sons.

BILL NOYES
Winnipeg

======================

Thursday, April 13th, 2006

Winnipeg Free Press

Borders on sensationalism

THE world has come along way since the 1960s, which fuelled the energy necessary to bring forth the much needed women's liberation movement. The combustion that was created by this energy brought forth the environment necessary for change to occur. Women like Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan, who wrote the Feminine Mystique, to name a few, helped the western world come to terms somewhat, with the changes which would of necessity, come forth. And yes, there still exists today, if not glass, at least a Plexiglas ceiling for woman. I personally know many, who based on meritocracy alone, are still being discriminated against in terms of salary and position.

Criticisms of Mayor Sam Katz's innocent comments were blown out of proportion. His comments was really meant as a compliment. I would be hard-pressed to find a woman who would react negatively if she were compared to a Playboy bunny.

While the personality and the soul are far more important than the flesh, most in our society still find physical beauty enjoyable. And yes, sometimes to a degree that is disturbing and unhealthy. These thoughts are coming from a man who has two daughters.

However, to take a positive experience that showered our Olympians with honours and add this unnecessary edge to it is in my mind, inappropriate and borders on sensationalism. And it does little to bridge whatever gaps are still in existence between men and women.

HART PEIKOFF
Winnipeg

======================

Thursday, April 13th, 2006

Winnipeg Free Press

Loose lips sink ships

THERE is a famous saying: "Loose lips sink ships. " Mayor Sam Katz's slip of the tongue comment at the "fab-five Olympians" reception was tantamount to that, nothing else. In spite of the fact that he commended them for bringing a tremendous amount of pride to Winnipeg and he did make positive comments about the athletes' training and family support, his very unfortunate on-the-spur-of-the moment comments ruined the grand show by taking the lustre off the gala event.

Hopefully, this unintended but unthoughtful mouthing off will most certainly teach His Worship a very valuable lesson in public speaking in general and in the presence of distinguished personalities in particular.

KRIS SAHAY
Winnipeg

======================

Thursday, April 13th, 2006

Winnipeg Free Press

Criticisms are ridiculous

JANICE Dodd, Barbara Bowes sit like vultures, watching, reading and listening for any man to say something, anything, that they can even remotely interpret as sexist or demeaning.
Talk about attitudes that won't change or go away. Talk about pots calling kettles black. Outraged protest has become our most common mode of communication, and the ones who are constantly crying sexist and/or bigot have now become the sexists/bigots.

Ms. Dodd and Ms. Bowes, your mentalities regarding this event are petty, to say the least. If Mayor Sam Katz has been quoted correctly, I would wager large amounts of money that what he said had nothing whatsoever to do with dressing those five talented women in bunny costumes and cajoling them into some wild orgy. I would also wager that the image never even entered into his mind.

He did not suffer a slip of the tongue. He was simply saying that he was honoured to be in the presence of five young, very talented athletes.

I agree with you, Mr. Mayor: The criti


	Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity N202 - 801 King Edward Avenue Ottawa, ON, Canada K1N 6N5 Phone: 613-562-5667 Fax: 613-562-5668 Email: caaws@caaws.ca	CAAWS supported by: