Sarah Palin, Debate on Mothers
“Mrs. Clinton’s recent candidacy was a moment of reckoning for women of her generation, who treated her run as a mirror in which to examine their own lives. With Ms. Palin’s entry into the field, a younger generation of women have picked up that mirror, using her candidacy to address the question of just how demanding a job a mother with such intense family obligations should tackle.”
An interesting story in The New York Times, about what Sarah Palin represents to women: A New Twist in the Debate on Mothers.
Conservative women, who have traditionally criticized women for working, are super-excited about Sarah Palin being a mother of 5 and being a potential Vice President.
Feminist working mothers are questioning whether Sarah Palin can pull off being a good mother and be Vice President.
I’m so confused.
Image source: www.johnmccain.com
Tags: barack-obama, election-2008, Hillary-Clinton, john-mccain, mommy-wars, motherhood, New-York-Times, sarah palin, women judging womenRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Fabulous Politics
9 opinions for Sarah Palin, Debate on Mothers
candeelady
Sep 3, 2008 at 3:34 am
The success of a working Mom is all about her “support system”. Extended family, quality nannys and hands on Dads can make this work and work very well. Ask any one from a large family. The older kids help raise the younger ones. The older ones learn responsibility and the younger ones learn independance. It’s a win:win situation in a cohesive family.
A good parent provides a secure home and “quality” time with their kids. The “quantity” of time is less important.
I believe Palin can do it - read her bio - it’s amazing!
Tarah
Sep 3, 2008 at 5:23 am
I also am confused. ahahha
I do not really think conservative women criticize those who work, but it is odd that feminists would say she couldn’t be a good mom too. I say give the woman a chance. We all deserve one. And heck. Experience or not..look where it’s gotten us so far. ha! Maybe a regular mom/lady would be good..Someone for us real people.
Even though I do not believe that older siblings shoud have to raise the younger ones..help of course, but shouldn’t have to be to responsible for them..they need to be kids too! BUT I do agree with candeelady on her post. Good post.
Tracee Sioux
Sep 3, 2008 at 6:52 am
I don’t disagree with either one of you about what you just said here. That working women can pull it off working with support from spouses, etc.
I would flat-out disagree with you that conservative women haven’t been judgy and critical about other women working.
I think perhaps conservative women think of themselves, and Sarah Palin, as “the exception.”
that girl
Sep 3, 2008 at 8:01 am
ME TOO! I’m confused. What do you mean Tracee,: They think of themselves, and Sarah Palin, as “the exception.”
I don’t know if I understand what you mean.
Tracee Sioux
Sep 3, 2008 at 8:21 am
Well, in this particular NY Times story they quote a woman who very actively fought against the Equal Rights Amendment. One of her arguments was that women should be in the home not in the public sphere. At the same time, she also worked fulltime - as an activist against women working and ran for office.
Obviously, she thought of herself as “the exception.” What she really meant is that “she could do it, but she had doubts about the rest of us.” The “conservative movement” has been full of such women.
Tracee Sioux
Sep 3, 2008 at 8:26 am
It’s not just conservatives though - I don’t want to paint it that way.
Women have a habit of viewing themselves as “the exception” when they judge other women.
Many women believe sexism or rape and sexual abuse is about other women - the one in the short skirts and inappropriate clothes who parties and smokes.
In order to believe in our own safety they believe men only mean disrespect to other women and believe themselves to be “the exception.” You call women a whore in rap videos - but that doesn’t apply to me. Because I behave appropriately.
It’s a thing women do to be okay in general. It’s a mental thing we do to believe we’re safe, we’re equal and our men mean us no harm.
that girl
Sep 3, 2008 at 8:27 am
Okay, but where do all the conservatives who are supporting her and defending her fit into that? You think they’re saying, it’s okay for her, because she’s on a mission, but the rest of us should just stay home?
It seems like it’s mainly the liberals who are coming out of the woodwork to criticize her ability to do both..isn’t that backwards?
Tracee Sioux
Sep 3, 2008 at 8:33 am
I’m watching The View and Elizabeth is speaking like she’s the champion of the feminist movement and believes Sarah Palin can easily pull it off and Joy is arguing against her.
It’s almost the same conversation they had about Hillary - but Elizabeth and Joy switched sides.
Now Elizabeth is arguing in favor of the teen pregnancy as reality and Joy is saying, this isn’t what you were saying last week about Britney’s sister.
The world has gone topsy turvy and I’m wondering if I even understand what values voters are voting for.
Tracee Sioux
Sep 3, 2008 at 9:03 am
Oh and I’ll point out that it’s not me making this a generalization - the most searched words since Sarah Pallin was announced were “HOT SARAH PALIN Photos.”
Also the number one deterrent to sexism, rape, domestic violence and sexual harassment is MALE Peer Pressure.
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