Sexism, Sarah Palin, and Hillary Clinton
by Toto

Although I'm a Republican, I was thrilled to see Hillary Clinton do so well in the primaries.  I wasn't a supporter of hers but I really thought that she was the best candidate running in the Democratic Party for POTUS..  I was just as outraged as her supporters to see some in the MSM treat her in such a sexist way.  What was equally upsetting for me was reading such nasty sexist rhetoric from some of the Obama supporters, especially from many of the far left liberal blogs.  It was like watching the Liberals eat their own.  What disturbed me even more was that none of the leaders

in the Democratic party came out against it.   

As a parent and professional woman, I know first hand what it's like to deal with sexism. Sexism, just like racism, crosses all party lines, all ages and both genders.  It's not just men that have been guilty of sexism, I've read many comments from women that are just as offensive.  In fact, I've read several blog post on this site that reek of sexism. 

I'm a never married mother and I've raised my 14 yr. old daughter alone since her birth.  Through my words and actions, I've taught her that with determination, education, inner strength and faith in God, she can do anything that she puts her mind on.  I've always addressed sexist comments or behavior when I see it, even when it's from my own political party.  I mostly identify with Sarah Palin because of my political views but I also identify with Hillary Clinton when it comes to her inner strengh and courage.  I respect both woman and I believe that both are strong role models for myself and for my daughter.

I came across this article below from Women Count. The writer makes an excellent case for the need to fight against sexism, regardless of whether it's against a Democratic or Republican woman, because "that's how feminism works." In spite of my disagreement with this statement by the writer, "We cannot pretend that Governor Palin meets any standard of progressive politics or social values", I have found common ground with her over this issue.  On this, it's important for all woman to unite in outrage.  

Sexism and Sarah Palin

It started Friday afternoon with John Roberts on CNN, and then in a slow build over the weekend it became clear what the leading sexist charge would be against Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin: Is it appropriate for her to accept the vice presidential nomination given the magnitude of her current family responsibilities?

The question came not just from members of the media but also from voters around the country who wrote in to news organizations and on blogs. 

The obvious retort is whether anyone would ask the same question of the father of a four-month-old with Down Syndrome and a pregnant teenager. We think not.

Radio talk host Ed Schultz on CNN Monday night took things even further by declaring that Palin would not be able to focus on her job given her family distractions. 

And Washington Post columnist Sally Quinn wrote: “Of course, women can be good mothers and have careers at the same time. I’ve done both. Other women in public office have children…but…a mother’s role is different from a father’s.”

The message? Sarah Palin: bad mother. 

On that count we have no doubt these accusations would never be made about a man. In that sense, Sally Quinn is right – and that’s why things have got to change.

The very notion that Sarah Palin should not have accepted this nomination because she is a mother with demanding challenges underscores just how far we have to go.

WomenCount has promised that we would jump on these examples of sexism. Here’s where YOU come in.  Tell the media to back off, and we’ll forward your messages to the right places. 

Stamping out sexism is about shifting the culture. It will be good for America to watch Sarah Palin on the campaign trail – bouncing from parenting to politics. That’s how most women function – multi-tasking, leaning on friends and family, and waking up each morning and doing it all again.  

Throughout the weekend, we have been asked about WomenCount’s views on Sarah Palin as the Republican nominee. It is important to distinguish between the broader issue of sexism and the ideology of an individual.  WomenCount was born of the passion its founders had for Hillary Clinton’s clear view of social issues and progressive values.  We cannot pretend that Governor Palin meets any standard of progressive politics or social values.

But regardless of the candidates’ ideology, we will work to stamp out sexism when we see it on the campaign trail. To paraphrase the words of one blogger who said it best over the weekend: We will defend Sarah Palin against misogynist smears not because we like her or support her, but because that’s how feminism works.

Comments

 

Amen Sister

Toto - your post tells it just as it is -

As for myself - an 82 year old AA female - I have had to endure not only sexism but race growing up in the South -
as did my children and I am afraid with the way things are going during this election year it will revert even to my grandchildren.

The disgusting thing about the undemocratic party that none of the officials stood up for Hillary - not even the women like Pelosi and others - and as for Sarah - they are more interested in putting her down because of her beauty contest that she entered in Alaska - both of these women could do numbers around their opponents - but they are attacked in the vile manner that is happening still on a daily basis and by the Main Stream Media as well - and by WOMEN in the mainstream media -

I wish I had the answer to how to make it stop - I do believe that we have gone back 100 years in time both with gender and race.
Perhaps the only way to get around it is by posting like this and maybe - women will get tired enough of this that they will stand up and vote AGAINST those that sling the sexist mud or call everyone a racist.

 

Thank you!

I am ashamed to be a Democrat for the first time in my life.  Your description of the way Hillary Clinton was handled by the Democratic party leaders, and yes, Obama as well, is deplorable.  If they had handled Obama in this way the cry of "Racism" would have been heard loud and long.  But do it to a woman and no one blinks - except Elton John, who called it correctly - misogyny.  What amazed me was not that people didn't like her.  You have that in politics.  What amazed me was the vitriol directed toward her.  I understand if people do not like her politics.  But the hatred that was directed at her left me stunned.  And these same people couldn't even tell me why they didn't like her.  They just hated her. 

Thank you for saying the "S" word.  It needed to be said.  And if Palin gets elected because she stepped in to fill the gaping hole Hillary left because the Democrats ousted her so ungraciously, well, then we deserve another eight years like the last eight years.

 

 

 

 

I admire you, Kellen vh

I admire you, Kellen vh for saying you belive this is wrong.  So many wouldn't and haven't.  Thanks for speaking up.  :-) Heather A Mama's Blog

 

Shameful

Calling Palin a “c***”…and no one bats an eye.

http://hillbuzz.wordpress.com/2008/10/12/obama-supporters-wearing-sarah-palin-is-a-c-tee-shirts/#comment-7019

All women should stand up against this kind of garbage.

 

I'm Not Coming Back-

Great post, as you know I wrote a similar one for my blog, and then posted it here on BlogHer, right when all this was happening. I was called names, and the vicious comments about Palin were unreal. I posted a post on my blog and on BlogHer in May, depicting all the sexist terms Hillary had been called in the media, and how no one was taking a stand against this.

Funny how all the women who were so against Hillary in the primaries (yes even on BlogHer, I saw comments saying she should step down, she was nothing compared to Obama, etc.) NOW all of a sudden they were singing Hillary's praises. They were saying Hillary was so much more qualified than Palin- well, why didn't the Democratic Party nominate her then?

The fact of the matter is the Democratic Party DID NOT support Hillary, and permitted the sexism to happen. This is from the party that is supposed to be for women's rights.

There was an article in my Denver paper today, from a reporter who was invited to watch last week's debate with a group of women (I think 5), who had been Hillary supporters. The reporter *assumed* these women would be for Obama, but surprisingly, she found out that four of the women had decided to vote for McCain, because of Palin. The last woman, was still undecided but said she was leaning heavily towards McCain. They all said they liked that the Republican Party was supporting Palin.

Not surprisingly, they said the Dem. Party had not been behind Hillary, & that disgusted them. They hated the way the Dem. Party & Obama had treated Hillary. They also said, that they believe women should support each other, and they felt Palin was a good role model for young woman, and they were happy to see a woman succeeding. I agree!

The reporter concluded that these really weren't undecided voters- they had decided, and they were voting for McCain & Palin. That is just a small glimpse into five women in a battleground state. I have a feeling there are more women like this who feel as one of the women in this story said,

"Some women are saying, ‘Sorry, I'm not coming back, honey, even though you are bringing the flowers and chocolates."

Heather
* A Mama's Blog

 

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I thought for sure I had

I thought for sure I had posted my blog post in May on BlogHer,- I remember posting it, but I can't find it in the BH listing. There were no comments on it, but the one I wrote in September was the one that had a lot of comments. Sorry for the confusion.

It is at my blog though, with the date, in case you want to read it.

http://amamasblog.com/2008/05/21/is-this-progress/

Heather

* A Mama's Blog