Rep Alexandria Ocasio Cortez D NY Responds to Rep Ted Yoho R FL

Summary

A congresswoman from New York addresses the House, recounting an incident where Rep. Yoho verbally accosted her on the Capitol steps, using derogatory language. She emphasizes the broader issue of a culture that tolerates disrespect and violent language towards women. Despite not being deeply hurt by Yoho's comments, she refuses to accept his excuses and calls for genuine apologies and respect, highlighting the need to change this pattern of behavior.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ A congresswoman from New York was verbally accosted by Representative Yoho on the steps of the Capitol, where he used derogatory language towards her.
• 👥 The incident occurred in the presence of Representative Roger Williams and was witnessed by others, indicating a broader cultural issue of disrespect towards women.
• 🤬 Yoho's comments included calling the congresswoman 'disgusting,' 'crazy,' 'out of [her] mind,' and 'dangerous,' which were deeply offensive and inappropriate.
• 🏢 The congresswoman felt compelled to address the incident publicly to ensure that such behavior is not normalized or accepted in the political sphere.
• 👧 The congresswoman emphasized that the incident affects not just her personally, but all women, including Yoho's own wife and daughters, and sets a dangerous precedent for acceptable behavior.
• 👩‍👧‍👦 Yoho's mention of his family was criticized as a poor excuse for his behavior, highlighting the misuse of women as a shield for poor conduct.
• 🙅‍♀️ The congresswoman stated that having a wife or daughters does not automatically make a man decent; treating people with respect and dignity is what truly matters.
• 🤝 She does not seek an insincere apology from Yoho but rather a genuine acknowledgment of harm done and an effort to make amends.
• 👥 The congresswoman called out the pattern of dehumanizing language and behavior towards women, including from the highest offices in the land.
• 🙏 She expressed gratitude to Yoho for inadvertently exposing the reality of such behavior among powerful men and the need for change.
• 🌟 The congresswoman concluded by emphasizing the importance of standing up against such behavior, regardless of political differences, to foster a culture of respect and dignity.

Q & A

What was the reason for the speaker seeking recognition for a question of personal privilege?

The speaker sought recognition for a question of personal privilege to address an incident where Representative Yoho accosted her on the steps of the Capitol, using derogatory language.

What did Representative Yoho allegedly say to the speaker?

Representative Yoho allegedly called the speaker 'disgusting,' 'crazy,' 'out of [her] mind,' 'dangerous,' and used a derogatory term towards her.

How did the speaker describe her reaction to Representative Yoho's comments?

The speaker stated that while she was not deeply hurt by the comments, she found them unacceptable and indicative of a broader cultural issue regarding the treatment of women.

What does the speaker suggest is the underlying issue with the incident?

The speaker suggests that the underlying issue is a cultural problem of lack of accountability and acceptance of violent language against women, supported by a structure of power.

Why did the speaker decide to speak out despite not being deeply hurt by the comments?

The speaker decided to speak out to set an example for her nieces, little girls, and victims of verbal abuse, and to challenge the acceptance of such behavior as legitimate or an apology.

What does the speaker argue is the real issue with using family members as an excuse for poor behavior?

The speaker argues that using family members as an excuse for poor behavior is problematic because it does not address the disrespect and can even give permission to others to behave similarly.

How does the speaker define a decent man according to her speech?

A decent man, according to the speaker, is one who treats people with dignity and respect, and when he makes a mistake, he genuinely apologizes to repair and acknowledge the harm done.

What was the speaker's response to Representative Yoho's attempt to excuse his behavior by mentioning his wife and daughters?

The speaker expressed that having a wife and daughters does not automatically make a man decent; it is the way he treats people with dignity and respect that defines his character.

Why does the speaker express gratitude to Representative Yoho in her speech?

The speaker expresses gratitude to Representative Yoho for highlighting the issue of powerful men who mistreat women without remorse, showing that this behavior is unacceptable.

What does the speaker call for in terms of changing attitudes towards women?

The speaker calls for a change in attitudes towards women, emphasizing that dehumanizing language and behavior should not be tolerated, regardless of one's political views or disagreements.