Theorists and scholars have written extensively on how women are consistently in an impossible, crazy-making double bind when they seek powerful positions. But this piece, by Taggles, is a down-to-earth example using a most topical example. The scholarship and the theorizing are important. But so is the short and sweet illustration given by Taggles.
Reprinted in full from No We Won't.
I
have been thinking a lot lately about the sexism that Hillary faced in
her run for the White House and contrasting it with the sexism that
Sarah Palin faces in hers. There is some commonality
between the two, but in general there have been two extremes of sexism
that can be identified. They are both undermining to women. Here’s how I see it:
|
Hillary
· Hillary is cold.
· No man would ever want to have sex with Hillary.
· Men are afraid Hillary will castrate them.
· Hillary has too much Washington experience.
· Hillary has too much baggage.
· Hillary was too wonkish.
· Hillary craved power
· Hillary’s old.
· Hillary wears a pantsuit.
|
Sarah
· Sarah is hot.
· Men want to have sex with Sarah.
· Men are not afraid for their private parts around her.
· Sarah does not have enough Washington experience.
· Sarah has no baggage.
· Sarah’s a beauty queen.
· Sarah’s power is not earned.
· Sarah’s young.
· Sarah wears skirts.
|
It is all so damaging. All to[o] pervasive. Women are continually clubbed with these biases. Make it stop, please!
