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Hillarysworld -> All things Hillary -> Clinton, Palin and the Enduring Sexism in American Politics (US News & World Report 1/05/10)
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TOPIC: Clinton, Palin and the Enduring Sexism in American Politics (US News & World Report 1/05/10)
Jen the Michigander


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Clinton, Palin and the Enduring Sexism in American Politics (US News & World Report 1/05/10)
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http://www.usnews.com/blogs/john-farrell/2010/01/05/clinton-palin-and-the-enduring-sexism-in-american-politics.html

Kornblut has a fine reporter's eye for detail and connections. Sexist incidents that, by themselves, are easily dismissed take on added weight when she catalogues how often and regularly they occurred. If the current talk radio and cable TV culture is a true window on our national psyche, we are one bunch of sick piggies, folks.

Hillary was called a tank, a scold, a lousy mother, a lesbian, a bitch. Hecklers called on her to iron their shirts. In major media outlets, commentators said she was a castrating harpy, or compared her to the murderous Glenn Close character in the movie Fatal Attraction. The New York Times described her laugh as a witch-like "cackle."

Sarah was the "caribou Barbie," ripped apart by Katie Couric and lampooned by Tina Fey. She was accused of staging a pregnancy to save one of her daughters from the shame of life as a single mom—and of being a lousy mother, for maintaining her career with a newborn at home. Internet searches for "Sarah Palin bikini" and "Sarah Palin naked" soared. Conservative male commentators seemed fixated on her "babe" looks and "heartthrob" appeal and, after the election, McCain campaign staffers called her a diva, a whack job, a hillbilly, an addictive shopper, a narcissist.

Kornblut supports her anecdotal evidence with polling and academic data and intriguing interviews. She catches White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel making the argument of the A-Woman-President-Is-Inevitable camp, and then blithering and fumbling when trying to name a likely contender. And former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who should know, tells Kornblut that: "I, frankly, think we crossed the bar on African-Americans quite some time ago. I'm not sure we've crossed it on women."

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Sanders


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That certainly promises to be a book that captures 2008's record of sexism to some degree.

As to the article's author's statement


"

But Rice's appearance in the book raises a question that Kornblut doesn't give as much attention: Why don't more qualified women, like Condi, or any of several dozen U.S. senators and representatives, governors, federal judges, CEOs, or university presidents want the American presidency enough to run for it?

Kornblut devotes far more space to the hurdles and obstacles faced by Sarah and Hillary than to the question of why there are not more Sarahs and Hillaries. Is there a genetic imprint—or is it the cultural hostility—that keeps women from the all-consuming, soul-crushing compulsion shown by the boys to lead the herd?

Maybe Palin will demonstrate the necessary discipline, drive, and audacity, like that shown by Barack Obama in 2008. Or maybe she'll be content with her current level of fame and fortune, and not reach for the Oval Office. We will see.

"

I believe there is more to women not running.  The assumptions and presumptions are daunting.  The upbringing is faulty.  Ever seen any play toys for girls that are challenging?  Well if you consider barbie dolls a challenge...

I hope the yardstick for presidential candidates changes from who has how much gumption to who has how much real experience and proven leadership.

-- Edited by Sanders on Wednesday 6th of January 2010 03:18:04 AM

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Jen the Michigander


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Re: Barbie dolls.

When I was in ed school, I was part of a small-group discussion where we tried to think of something educational about a Barbie doll (not counting those rare versions like Dr. Barbie or Astronaut Barbie where she has a career that involves brainpower). One of my classmates concluded that there is one way little girls benefit from playing with Barbies-- putting on and taking off all those outfits with the armholes and the little shoes and the teeny-tiny snaps helps girls develop fine motor coordination.

Hey, it something.

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Hillarysmygirl16


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Good article.  The truth is no one would have paid any attention to this if it weren't for all of the Hillary supporters screaming their fool heads off at the media. I am glad to see this being mentioned by the media.

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Jen the Michigander


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Our hard work is beginning to pay off. We have to keep going...

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