The Karen Cahill thing is very much an extension of a gag Sorkin did in 'Sports Night' where one the characters had been to a fundraising event and met HIllary Clinton but realised he told her about his 'opposition to secular programs that are publicly financed' when he meant non-secular.
In a later ep Chicago gets the credit, with Jed teasing Leo about the intense drive felt by people from that city (and their lack of interest in returning home…).
Regarding Oxbridge (or, more precisely, Oxford) the route from top fee-paying school (Eton, Marlborough etc) to Balliol College (studying PPE) into the Foreign Office/Church of England/The Conservative Party bears no relation whatsoever to the actual abilities of those who take that route, as I would hazard is absolutely clear to anyone with eyes to see. Of course it IS possible for people who don't take that route to finish up in those places, but I imagine that once you'd got there, you would still feel like an outsider.
I love Aaron Sorkin, but he does have a reputation for somewhat misogynist writing. As you noted, in male-male dialog characters make remarks belittling and denigrating women, like Josh's remarks "like a little girl", and "It makes me feel feminine". Also, a lot of fans perceive Josh's treatment of Donna not as flirting but abuse.
I agree, I've said it before here. Apologising to someone is emasculating! As if these smartass Ivy Leaguers were jocks, which they clearly wanna be but aren't (grudging concession to Leo regarding age and personal history). What strikes me from this particular instance is that this kind of misogyny perpetuates itself within in-groups.
@@sigil5772 I think as you imply Sorkin intends these remarks to make fun of the fragile masculine ego of these self important dweeby wonks. It's just 24 years later it comes off as a little cringy.
The Karen Cahill thing is very much an extension of a gag Sorkin did in 'Sports Night' where one the characters had been to a fundraising event and met HIllary Clinton but realised he told her about his 'opposition to secular programs that are publicly financed' when he meant non-secular.
12:20 "What makes it Irish?" Leo McGarry has an Irish background
Was gonna say. And from Boston too, I think.
In a later ep Chicago gets the credit, with Jed teasing Leo about the intense drive felt by people from that city (and their lack of interest in returning home…).
th-cam.com/video/S78RzZr3IwI/w-d-xo.html is a supercut of Sorkin-isms from across his various series.
Regarding Oxbridge (or, more precisely, Oxford) the route from top fee-paying school (Eton, Marlborough etc) to Balliol College (studying PPE) into the Foreign Office/Church of England/The Conservative Party bears no relation whatsoever to the actual abilities of those who take that route, as I would hazard is absolutely clear to anyone with eyes to see. Of course it IS possible for people who don't take that route to finish up in those places, but I imagine that once you'd got there, you would still feel like an outsider.
I love Aaron Sorkin, but he does have a reputation for somewhat misogynist writing. As you noted, in male-male dialog characters make remarks belittling and denigrating women, like Josh's remarks "like a little girl", and "It makes me feel feminine". Also, a lot of fans perceive Josh's treatment of Donna not as flirting but abuse.
I agree, I've said it before here. Apologising to someone is emasculating! As if these smartass Ivy Leaguers were jocks, which they clearly wanna be but aren't (grudging concession to Leo regarding age and personal history). What strikes me from this particular instance is that this kind of misogyny perpetuates itself within in-groups.
@@sigil5772 I think as you imply Sorkin intends these remarks to make fun of the fragile masculine ego of these self important dweeby wonks. It's just 24 years later it comes off as a little cringy.