Daring to Venture into the Fray

Here's the thing - this is not a political blog, but it is a blog written by women, for women (and men) and about women. So, I can hardly excuse myself completely from the chatter going on about Palin vs Hillary vs feminism vs Gloria Steinem vs the women at Wowowow vs hockey Moms.

What I am going to do is REPORT on these things. You are welcome to voice your opinion in comments. I will be upfront saying I am pro-women, pro-girl, and pro-equality. All of those things mean different things to different people. They certainly mean something different to Palin and to Hillary. And, as an exercise in marketing, if you're paying attention, you'll see that women are different, even as we're alike, and that you can appeal to all of us - by choosing your message carefully.

So, let's see what folks about the net and news media are saying...

It's no secret that a whole lot of women (and a number of men, too) are attacking Palin for being too - against whatever it is they believe in that she doesn't. And, we have a good number of people, news media and bloggers, commenting on the fact that she is not a good VP choice; she's not experienced enough, or her Mom status will get in the way (let's not touch that today; wow, we could all talk for hours on that, yes?).

Along with this dialogue are a number of voices saying Obama should have chosen Hillary. I have not found a lot of dissent about Biden - although I have my issues with him, which I will share another time, perhaps. Gloria Steinem, in a letter being passed about the net and via email, said things like, "This isn't the first time a boss has picked an unqualified woman just because she agrees with him and opposes everything most other women want and need."

Do I hear anyone objecting to "everything most other women"...??? That might be true, but...it might not. That's a blanket statement and I'm disappointed in Steinem for saying it. IF it were true... we wouldn't be having this discussion because "most other women" would all be shouting Palin down and McCain's campaign would be in disaster mode. Correct me if I'm wrong, but...I don't that's what's happening.

Will electing McCain, with Palin as VP, set women's rights back 40 years? It could.

Will electing Obama, with Biden as VP, improve women's rights - like finally achieving equal pay for equal work? I have my doubts.

In closing, I'll share this clip from late-night comedian Craig Ferguson, who - IMHO - get's it better than the rest of us. Which is kind of sad, isn't it? I mean, he knows voting is a duty - why don't we? He knows the seriousness of this election. Why don't we? He knows the media, and that includes bloggers, are abuzz with gossip - fringed with inflammatory facts (about both candidates)...and that their coverage of this election borders on reality TVish...why don't we? Or, do we? You tell me.

Here's his opening dialogue from last night (9/10/08):

Comments

[Q]

McCain is NUTS (remember his last campaign? ). Obama is has NO clue & his racism has leaked out several times (the media won't touch that) & his running mate is more of a game show host. I had NO intention on voting this year because of these 3 morons, but McCain just might get my vote.......because of Palin. NOT because she's a "she" or gives a great speech, but because she has an impressive record as Gov. & she's WAAAAaaaaayyyyy smarter than the other 3 combined. If she had some CONCRETE plans on how they're going to address some of the more important issues this Country is facing, I'd give her my vote in a sec.
Hopefully the McCain camp will be MEN ENOUGH to let her do her thing. We'll be watching !
Hope all is well with you.

[AnaRC]

Hi Yvone,
Finally I am able to read a smart and women-centered entry about our current politics. We are loosing track of the real issues and allowing the media manipulate us as citizens, parents and women. I also loved the video, thank you for sharing it.

Ana

[Diane K. Danielson]

Hi Yvonne - Love the craig ferguson clip. I caught him on Bill Maher the other night and recalled why I've always liked him. I hope he gets a better timeslot soon on late night tv!

Diane

[Ardith]

Good morning Yvonne,

Great, great entry and I agree with both you and Trish, the video is spot on! Way to go, Craig! Thanks so much for sharing this, Yvonne. I wholeheartedly agree with you regarding what is important about the election, and what is not. My latest blog entry mirrors this as well (http://blog.mcthinktank.net)

Best regards and best wishes to all on the upcoming election.

Ardith

[Trish Oleary]

Great video!! I LOVED it!