Poshdeluxe

today’s blog is one of those entries where i really hope you guys comment, cos i’m extremely interested to hear yr thoughts on this issue.

the issue = sarah palin. and really, not about her, personally, but about the media blitz surrounding her and  the questions people are asking.

this morning, i got an email from randy about it:

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I just finished watching an interview from CBS’ early show where a panel of women included a lady who questioned Palin’s ability to lead, considering the fact that she has five children, one of which has Down’s Syndrome.  The lady said, “There has to be a tipping point and I think she’s reached it.  She has a son with Down’s Syndrome and a 17-year old daughter who is pregnant.  She needs to rethink her priorities.”

I remember your post about working moms a few months ago and I believe that we shouldn’t even be questioning this.  Why aren’t we questioning Obama’s ability to lead with two young girls at home, too?  It reeks of sexism to me.

What are your thoughts?

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first of all, randy, thanks for sending me the email, cos you gave me something to write about today!

regarding yr question, yes, i think it’s extremely sexist for people to say that palin can’t help run the country cos she has five kids. that’s a ridiculous argument, and i actually haven’t heard it much (of course, it’s all about where i get my news, i’m sure).

the flip side to that argument, which i’ve actually heard a lot, is that palin is totally fit to serve as VP *because* she is a mother.  i saw a clip from “the view” where sherri shepard (sp?) says, “you tell me what mother cannot run the country after having five kids” and then refers to the PTA as the proper experience for serving as VP. wait, i’m sorry, WHAT? obviously, raising five kids is an extremely tough job (i couldn’t do it), but remind me how potty training prepares you for negotiating with leaders in the middle east? apparently, i’m not the only one who is annoyed.

if you’re going to support sarah palin, fine, but come up with a better argument, ok? do we ever say, “he’s a good father, he’s fit to run the country?” does this exhibit some other level of sexism, where we focus on motherhood above all other qualities instead of examining her policy background, political record, etc.? and when i say “we” i guess i mean, well, the general American media.  which leads me to another issue…

ok, sarah palin is a woman, and obviously her candidacy is a big deal for america. it’s going to make waves, get people talking. but i guess i didn’t expect it to be tabloid-worthy! check out two of the four major tabloid magazines this week:

i’m not sure where to draw the line, to be honest. some of the “personal” aspects of sarah palin, like her motherhood, actually do connect with her political opinions and therefore should be subject to voter scrutiny. do i feel sorry for bristol palin? yes. do i want the paps to follow her around like the next jaime lynn spears? heck no. do i think that the issue of teen pregnancy should be addressed through sex education and goverment programs, and that this issue should be talked about by voters? absolutely.

bristol palin’s situation shouldn’t just bring the issue of teen pregnancy to the spotlight– it should raise questions about education and family services. consequently, i think it’s important for voters to examine where candidates stand on these issues. jezebel posted a great write-up on palin’s history of slashing funding that affects teenage girls (along with some startling statistics) and brought up the fact that both parties are attempting to capitalize on bristol’s pregnancy.

ok i’m sort of rambling but i guess my point is:

let’s not make this a personal issue. let’s not base our political opinions on someone’s motherhood or someone’s teenage pregnancy. let’s use the issues raised by these situations to spark questions about government policy. in other words, let’s put down the “ok” magazine and pick up a real newspaper.

and don’t ask me what a real newspaper is.

LINKS

i always knew roald dahl was cool, but THIS?!!! HOLY CRAP. it’s like, james bond meets willy wonka level of cool. i think my mind just exploded.

did you guys see this daily show report on the republican convention? send help!!! FEMA, where are you?!!

moody and trish both sent me this INCREDIBLE pictoral comparison of two of my favorite people: christian bale and kermit! ok, well, kermit’s not a person, but he’s totally my favorite frog.

if you’re like me and need a “step up”-related fix every day, go here and get the inside scoop on channing tatum, who is SO FREAKING ADORABLE GAH (thanks to my fellow junkie, meredith, for the link).