In a perfect world, a person’s gender would have nothing to do with politics.
During this election season, we’ve heard about several instances of female candidates being degraded or insulted in the public forum. These insults are, unfortunately, the norm. The problem arises when media members and other politicians make gender-bashing cracks.
Rush Limbaugh said, “I’d rather look at [Christine O’Donnell. l] than Mike Castle. I think she’s kind of cute.”
Other insults include she-goat, mean girl, and tight little butt. Period, PMS and menopause jokes are common place.
These types of remarks sway public opinion, according to an article by USA Today. The public listen to the various media outlets to help decide whom to vote. Calling female candidates names lowers their opinion in the public’s eye.
Male candidates are insulted, too, but it’s seen differently. Former President Bill Clinton is adored by thousands because of a sex scandal, not his politics.
Abigail Adams said, “If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice, or representation.”
We women cannot have a voice if we lack representation. We cannot have a voice if our female leaders are seen as a joke.
