The host of a morning TV show on KING-5 made an ill-considered comment while interviewing a guest. A viewer emailed her afterward to bring it to her attention. The show host responded with kindness and understanding and expressed regret for her mistake.
We call attention to this incident because it is an example of socially normalized misandry — which occasionally appears in mainstream media — and because it would be great if more people addressed it with grace like these two individuals did.
The incident occurred during an episode of New Day Northwest, “Seattle’s #1 morning talk show,” when host Amity Addrisi interviewed tattoo artist Dustin Kiskaddon. At one point they are looking at tattoos Kiskaddon created. One of the tattoos depicts a woman holding a bloody sword in one hand and the severed head of a man in the other hand.
Addrisi seems a bit startled when she first sees the violent image. “Wow that person lost their head,” she says.
She continues, “I dig that. I’m here for that. Probably deserved it.” [This occurs at 3 minutes and 39 seconds into the interview.]
At the time Addrisi says this, it’s clear she is intending to politely compliment the artist as she looks ar examples of his handiwork.
However, the Seattle resident who emailed her afterward, retired psychoanalyst Dr. David Jachim, is not wrong in pointing out that if the sexes of the people in the tattoo had been reversed, Addrisi’s “probably deserved it” comment would not have been tolerated in the same way. It may have sparked public outrage, including condemnation from organizations focused on preventing violence against women.
Joking about violence against men can be in equally poor taste to joking about violence against women.
Joking comments about women being violent toward men are too common in mainstream media, even in an age when journalists generally are careful to avoid offending. Granted, people on live television are bound to make mistakes.
This incident was encouraging from the standpoint that a TV host made a comment that could reasonably be construed as misandrist, and then she took responsibly for this action in a similar way to what would be expected if a misogynist comment were made.
See related: Has the Seattle Times finally dropped its man-hating dating advice columnist?
Response from TV host Amity Addrisi
Amity Addrisi responded to Dr. Jachim’s email with the following kindhearted message:
I remember the interview you are referring to, and I just reviewed it to understand the comment which you are referencing. I totally understand your point.
I believe that particular tattoo was created to depict the biblical story of Judith — which is why I made that comment. Still, without giving context to the imagery I can see why the comment would be viewed as incredibly insensitive. I’m grateful you pointed it out to remind us to be more discriminating about the images we show on our program, as well being more circumspect in comments made during interviews. Your feedback has been greatly helpful.
You bring up such an important point regarding violence against both men and women, and this conversation has reminded me that we need to highlight this issue more often in the interviews we feature on our show.
Thank you again for your thoughtful note.
Amity