2008 September 04

Main Street Journal - Carol Chumney: Clinton and Palin Change the Rules for Women

CLINTON AND PALIN CHANGE THE RULES FOR WOMEN
By Carol Chumney

What an incredible national election year. Who would have thought that America will now elect either the first President who is African American; or the first female Vice President? And, a major political party almost nominated a woman for President of the United States.

Governor Palin is now the newest face on the scene for the national elections. Senator Clinton’s strong showing in her bid for the Presidency certainly gave Palin a boost to be selected as a Vice Presidential nominee this year. She also benefited from the confidence of Alaskans who gave a woman a chance to lead as a Mayor, a Governor, and reformer.

The political views, qualifications, personalities and experiences of these two women are very different. But, just like Hillary Clinton, Palin is taking some knocks in the press about her hairstyle, qualifications, or forceful “personality,” simply because she is a woman.

What the two do together, however, is to continue to shine a spotlight on and expose the double standard often used to question a female candidate’s qualifications or ability to govern, even though men with similar qualifications and abilities are automatically accepted as qualified and capable.

Irregardless of who wins this election, one thing is for certain - women are out of the stereotypical box and their different voices and viewpoints will be heard. Moreover, the rules are changing in that the double standards and not so subtle sexist jabs are rapidly becoming more and more socially unacceptable. Women of different backgrounds, viewpoints, and political parties are finally beginning to have a chance to not only set the table, but to actually take a seat at the table.

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