The Governator channels his SNL parody

Democrats are crying foul on Governor Schwarzenegger's characterization of Democratic state legislators as "girlie men." While it's not hard to argue that the remarks were sexist, some state legislators seem to be rushing to the aid of gay stereotypes by calling the comment homophobic.

California State Senator Sheila Kuehl said that the Governor's comments were "blatant homophobia," according to CNN. The openly-lesbian lawmaker went further, saying that "it uses an image that is associated with gay men in an insulting way."

I'm guessing Kevin Nealon and Dana Carvey might disagree. The Governor pulled the line from their skit on Saturday Night Live about two foreign-born body builders, in which both of them used the term "girlie men" quite loosely.

Whether or not the comedic duo meant it in a gay-bashing sense (I'm voting a strong "no" on that one), it was even further from clear that the Governor was making those implications. That is, until Democrats made it for him.

All in all, I'd say one of the surest ways to break down these stereotypes is for activist groups and individuals to stop automatically assuming it's about them.

Now, women are a different story. Go forth and be offended.