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Is Sarah Palin Willing to Fight for Women Everywhere? |
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| September 18, 2008
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The emergence of Sarah Palin onto the political hockey rink has surprised me. A self-described hockey Mom, Sarah Palin is like Super Mom and Wonder Woman combined into one perfectly wrapped package. As a lifelong Republican, I was excited when John McCain announced his choice for VP. I loved that Palin was pro-life, a working wife and mother, and that she didn't back down when stating her beliefs. That isn't to say I wasn't skeptical of her background, or what she would bring to the table in this election. I struggled with the daily grind of 9-5, I tried desperately to find balance in marriage and motherhood, and never failed to second-guess my life and the decisions I made along the way. As a young girl I was conflicted about what a woman's role could or should be. My mother and grandmother taught me that a woman's place was in the home, to tend to her husband and children. My female teachers taught me that when I grew up I could be whatever I wanted to be. But society expected me to do both; to be a super woman married to the perfect man, popping out perfect babies and still bringing home the bacon. It wasn't until my son was born that I discovered society's expectations are a load of crap, and I didn't have a shovel. We're told we were given choices, that the feminist movement fought for our right to make decisions in our own best interests. But I wonder if this "rule" only pertains to making choices that society deems as valuable? After Dawson was born, I went back to work full-time and instantly my colleagues deemed me "the Mommy" and I was treated differently. People were skeptical of my ability to be a mother and career woman. After I became a stay-at-home mother people began to look at me differently. One woman actually asked me if I "gave up" my career to wipe noses all day. She was surprised, relieved even, to learn that I didn't choose to be a SAHM, that a job loss had brought me to that place in my life. But I wonder, if I had chosen to be an at home parent, does that make me any less valuable to society? Which brings me back to Sarah Palin, mother extraordinaire. Initially, I thought it was fabulous that a working mother was on the forefront of politics. Finally, society would see that women can be mothers and still have a career! Or would they? What if the bar is raised? If Sarah Palin can give birth and return to work the next day, what does that say about the women who don't? How do we measure up? I like Sarah Palin because she's pro-life, and because she doesn't act like a man when speaking her political mind. I like Sarah Palin because I can relate to her as a wife, mother and worker. But the similarities end there. Sarah Palin hasn't had to fight for maternity leave rights. She hasn't had to lobby for equal pay, universal pre-K or universal health insurance. She doesn't have to worry about where her children's college tuition is coming from. She isn't a single mother employed at Wal-Mart with four mouths to feed. She isn't daydreaming about a fabulous job with benefits and the flexibility to be home with her children when they're sick. These are some of the issues important to me, and women like me. Sarah Palin, are you listening? Are you willing to fight on our behalf? Are you willing to stand up and represent women everywhere? | ||
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1. Yvonne
Sep 18, 2008 06:38
If Chelsea Clinton had become pregnant at 17, Republicans would have said Hilary was neglectful and too career orientated. But, somehow, Sarah Palin's a heroine! Most mothers know that we can't have it all, and we put career on the back-burner so we can be there for our children. Where was Sarah Palin when her daughter wanted to talk about boys, petting, sex and contraception? High office and good parenting, the kind that puts children first, do not mix.2. Dana
Sep 18, 2008 09:21
Hi Yvonne! That's an excellent point. However, I do believe that both sides of this election sway things to their benefit.I'd like to think that a woman could still hold a presidential office and still be a good mother. I'm not ready to give up on that.
But of course, how can one put their children first and still hold such a high stakes job?
If Hillary Clinton had won, her maternal status would've never been questioned. Is it because Chelsea was already an adult when Hillary ran? Lots of different POV's to think about.
3. Michelle Sheridan
Sep 18, 2008 13:55
I am far more concerned with Sarah Palin's lack of experience in national givernment (painfully obvious in her interviews) and her record as mayor and governor (sloughing responsibility, lack of attention to what working families need) than as an example of working motherhood.4. Dana
Sep 18, 2008 14:06
Hi Michelle! I understand where you're coming from.I've only watched her interview with Charlie Gibson, and I was very angry with Gibson's condescending attitude, the way he looked down on her over his glasses. It was almost professorial. And his tone indicated his distrust of Palin's answers. She didn't back down, though. And the way he grilled her about the Bush Doctrine was hilarious, because he was referring to Bush Doctrine #3 and she wanted clarification because there are four Bush Doctrines. I hate that the media portrays such bias, and the quick-cut editing they do is a form of trickery.
If I had to rely on the media for information, I wouldn't vote in this election.
Why didn't Gibson drill Barack Obama they way he did Sarah Palin? Barack's interview was more pop-culture like, and Gibson threw him softball questions.
I don't know if Sarah Palin is any less experienced than Barack Obama, but I do know that both sides of the political spectrum have work to do.
5. Wisconsin Mommy
Sep 18, 2008 14:21
When has anyone EVER debated the effect of running for office on their children when a man was the candidate?The double standard in this race takes my breath away. What is even more disturbing is that most of the charges are being leveled by women. These are HER choices ladies - is it really our place to comment on them?
Now, as far as political views and experience go - fair game, absolutely!