Because this is a test.
Yes, the Governor is pro-life. Yes, she supports the economic policies of John McCain, and yes, she supports the war in Iraq.
But the media coverage of her, like that of Hilary Clinton, over the last few days been the epitome of a double-standard.
Since it came out that her 17-year old daughter Bristol is five months pregnant, there has been a slew of deregetory, scurrilous, and flamingly sexist articles on the affair - some from well known liberal blogs. People have speculated on whether Palin had in fact faked the pregnancy of her infant son in order to cover up for her daughter and the phrase 'Juno in Juneau' is already ubiquitous. Most importantly, however, commentators from all sides of the political spectrum are using Bristol's pregnancy to open up the can of worms that feminists everywhere should be working to make sure is never asked: Is she ready to lead? How can the mother of a newborn and the a pregnant teenager POSSIBLY have enough mental energy to serve as Vice President? Won't she be distracted by the wedding plans (yup, seriously!)? Many are speculating that these questions will cause Palin to drop out by Wednesday, as her daughter's pregnancy will be sure to monopolize coverage of the McCain campaign.
These questions go to the heart of sexist media coverage - were Palin a man they would NEVER have be asked. Yes, the 'scandal' would be covered but it would not be used as a weapon for attacking his ability to lead or a call for his resignation as VP candidate.
I'm not espousing that we support Palin's candidacy by voting for her, writing positively about her positions, or donating to her campaign. I AM however asking that we raise our voice against the idea that women with complicated family situations are any less fit to lead than men, just as we would for a Democratic candidate. I'm even suggesting that we call on her NOT to drop out. This is bigger than politics - it's about women and leadership. And it's a test to our ability to see the bigger picture. I hope we pass it.
0 TrackBacks
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Why the Feminist Community Should Get Behind Sarah Palin.
TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.feministing.com/cgi-bin/movabletype/mt-tb.fcgi/9034
Weekly Feministing Newsletter
Feministing RSS Feed
Personally, I don't care if her daughter is pregnant. At least, not on the level that the right-wing will.
What I find fascinating (and frankly, was kind of tickled by) is the fact that Palin is so 100% anti comprehensive sex ed. And yet here is her daughter, preggers because she probably never learned how to use a condom. She really is a shining example of why her mother's policies don't work.
I respect that it's Bristol's decision to have the baby - though, we could argue, is it really? - and I don't think that having a pregnant teen in the family is a valid reason to vote for or against someone.
I'm kind of seeing it as a self-fulfilling prophecy.
And I have gallons of respect for how Obama responded to it. He has so much class and dignity, because you know if the roles were reversed, if one of his daughters got pregnant when she was older, the Republicans wouldn't be as gracious as he is.
Oh, and if she were pro-life, she wouldn't shoot bears.
Shakesville has an ongoing series on sexism against Sarah Palin, as well as several good entries about how, if we are to maintain our integrity re:sexism and being pro-choice, then we will state unequivocally that Palin, her sexual/reproductive choices and those of her family, are no one's business but theirs, and that sexism and misogyny against Mrs. Palin is unacceptable, not because they support her politics, but because THAT IS HOW FEMINISM WORKS.
I agree with profoundsarcasm - love the irony. And this seems like a good chance for Palin to show that her position is consistent with Feminists for Life, the group she belongs to. They're vehemently anti-choice, but also advocate better services and a more supportive environment for pregnant teens, single moms, better maternity and paternity leave legislation, etc. I think they're founding idea was that abortion would be unnecessary if you had the right support system for women. I don't know if this is still their position, but at least it's more consistent than the no-abortion-and-fuck-you position of most right-wing male politicians. Incidentally, doesn't it seem like the position of Feminists for Life would support comprehensive sex-ed in the effort to eliminate the need for abortion?
Imagine for one moment if Chelsea Clinton had turned up pregnant during one of Bill's presidential campaigns or terms of office. The conservatives (who tormented him for years for smoking a little pot in the 60s - while Dubya's cocaine use and DUIs were all swept under the rug) would have had a merciless field day - forever calling into question the character and leadership abilities of Bill and Hillary. I have a little sympathy for her daughter, the culpable dude and their kid but I really don't have any sympathy for Sarah Palin.
I don't think anyone should attack the daughter for having sex and getting pregnant. It is cruel to attack a 17 year-old that is a product of her environment. However, the daughter getting pregnant because she did not use protection (no sex-ed), doing the "right" thing and carrying the baby (I'm sure Sarah helped her make that decision), and Palin saying it's all ok because Bristol is going to marry her boyfriend this year is an issue. This is what she wants to bring to the nation. She is anti sex-ed and choice, and apparently ok with a 17 year-old getting married because she got pregnant (I'm guessing a lack of knowledge about condoms/birth control contributed, and no family pressure to get married).
I don't think she should be shamed into resignation because her daughter is pregnant, but her family situation does reflect her policies. She doesn't think it should be a choice to go through with the pregnancy or use birth control at 17, she doesn't want anyone to be able to choose their own path. If she had her way women would be forced to carry children to term because Roe v. Wade would be overturned.
RiotGrrl, you really have no idea what Sarah believes. Let's hear from her before you make such blanket statements.
Yep, we really do eat our own.
Three questions you will not hear this election:
Senator McCain, you have two young adult daughters. If either of them were to get engaged, do you think you would be able to serve as President while also helping them to plan their weddings?
Senator Biden. If either of your sons was to impregnate a girlfriend out of wedlock, do you think this would reflect so poorly on your leadership skills that you should withdraw from the race?
Senator Obama, you and your wife are still young. If she were to become pregnant, could you manage your duties as President while also the father of a new baby? If the child had special needs, would you resign to take care of it?
You hit the nail on the head, girl.
I say: HELL NO!
If a great woman like Hillary Clinton has to take this crap and have the effects felt on her campagin unfairly, then Palin should have the same thing as she DOESNT deserve to attain power. I'm for getting behind women who get behind me, not those who want to support discrimination against me!
Debbie,
I agree with Riotgrrl. You live your beliefs, and she is living hers. We are able to see what a mess her beliefs are. We also know that shes an antichoice misogyny ass kissing token. Shes no good for this nation, nuff said. I'm picking up that you might have a bit of a soft spot for her...am I right?
YES, we really DO eat our own.
I do agee that the coverage of some of her personal life issues is clearly sexist. However, if Palin cared, SHE would be a feminist, not a misogynistic ass kisser.
Um Debbie, I was stating what Palin believes. It wasn't just what I thought of her. I suggest using google for terms Palin on abortion. Yeah, you sort of come up with tons of info on how anti-choice she is. For example:
"In November 2006, then gubernatorial candidate Sarah Palin declared that she would not support an abortion for her own daughter even if she had been raped."
Palin Described Herself As "Pro-Life As Any Candidate Can Be." As reported by the Anchorage Daily News, "In 2002, when she was running for lieutenant governor, Palin sent an e-mail to the anti-abortion Alaska Right to Life Board saying she was as 'pro-life as any candidate can be' and has 'adamantly supported our cause since I first understood, as a child, the atrocity of abortion.'" [Anchorage Daily News, 8/6/06]
Palin Opposes Abortion "Even In The Cases Of Rape And Incest." According to the Los Angeles Times, "What's known about [Palin's] policy positions and public statements has been tremendously reassuring to conservatives, who issued numerous statements Friday praising the 44-year-old governor. But one person's solid conservatism -- opposing abortions, even in the cases of rape and incest; denying human contributions to global warming; supporting the teaching of creationism in public schools -- is another's extremism." [Los Angeles Times, 8/30/08]
And yes, it is widely known that she wants to overturn Roe v. Wade. This is something she has said on more than one occasion. Again, google is a magical tool for finding these things out. I suggest you do so before you say people don't know what she believes, she has made it very public what her beliefs are.
And what is "our own"? Women? Feminists? I criticize her no more than I do McCain. They are both bad for women (according to my beliefs. I suppose I should have that disclaimer whenever I post a comment now, just in case people don't understand I am stating my opinion). Actually, I have spent wayyyyy more time criticizing McCain.
the true sexism aimed at governor palin comes from the right wing. already the MSM is wondering how joe biden will be able to debate her without being sexist. the republicans knew this would happen, in my opinion.
i also believe they knew it would open many cans of worms regarding sexism, feminism, and gender equality.
i have come across countless sexist comments on left blogs - i had to take a break from dailykos. all the "she should be home with her disabled child, and i don't care what feminists say!" comments depressed me. there seems to be another backlash coming. what i found most disturbing were the sexist comments from the right - "hot babe", "hot babe with guns", "hot hunter babe", etc.
however, i do not feel sexist in pointing out that a vocal abstinence only governor now has a pregnant teenaged daughter. i'd feel the same if it was a male republican. it's about the hypocrisy of the right wing, especially in regards to sexuality, not about governor palin's gender.
(btw, the comment that pushed me over the edge at dailykos, which was by a female, blamed political correctness gone too far on feminisim.)