A 10-year-old school paper
I've been meaning to post this paper for a while - you'll see why...
In the fall of 1998 - my first semester at UMass - I took an introductory course in Women's Studies. (It got me a Diversity credit, even though half the world are women - whatever!) One of my favorite assignments - and probably the one that brought the most controversial debate in the smaller discussion classes - was the following. I finally dug it up and read it today, and am very surprised to see that the questions and ideas I brought up then are now all over the news today. And honestly, I'm surprised it only took another 10 years for the question to become a reality. I would have pegged it to take much longer. So, here it is...
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November 13, 1998 - Women's Studies 187
Which presidential elect do you think the American people are more prepared to vote for at this point in American history, a white female or a black male?
I think that at this point in history, the American people are more prepared to vote for a black man than for a white woman. This is based purely on the fact that the political system in this country is, in essence, a patriarchy. Most American people would think having a female president would be too "strange."
Most people want a president who is going to seem strong and independent. In the eyes of most men, the typical woman has neither of these qualities (think of the "Cult of True Womanhood," which stresses a woman's submissiveness and reserve). Therefore, a woman may seem ill suited for the presidency to them.
Even if a political party were to pick a military woman as a candidate, people would find a problem with her, too. They would see her as too masculine, and therefore un-womanlike. But, being womanlike would scare some people off, too. It’s a catch-22 situation.
Then again, there are some women who may vote for a woman simply because she is a woman. And, of course, there is also the black community, who may vote for a black man simply because he is black. Both candidates would have almost guaranteed votes from these groups.
Still, in the long run, a black male would have more of a chance in an election, especially when you consider that one has already run (Colin Powell). The fact that he is a man is an instant plus. A woman with some sort of power or influence (for instance, Hillary Clinton or Janet Reno) is often not taken very seriously, or even mocked.
I find it sad that the question did not mention a black woman, or any other minorities. Yes, they have a longer history of oppression (especially the minority women, who have "the double bind of oppression" - being female and of a minority race), and their chances are slimmer than those of other groups, but the possibility is still there. I feel that they should be recognized as such.
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I stand up and applaud my 18-year-old self!
In the fall of 1998 - my first semester at UMass - I took an introductory course in Women's Studies. (It got me a Diversity credit, even though half the world are women - whatever!) One of my favorite assignments - and probably the one that brought the most controversial debate in the smaller discussion classes - was the following. I finally dug it up and read it today, and am very surprised to see that the questions and ideas I brought up then are now all over the news today. And honestly, I'm surprised it only took another 10 years for the question to become a reality. I would have pegged it to take much longer. So, here it is...
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
November 13, 1998 - Women's Studies 187
Which presidential elect do you think the American people are more prepared to vote for at this point in American history, a white female or a black male?
I think that at this point in history, the American people are more prepared to vote for a black man than for a white woman. This is based purely on the fact that the political system in this country is, in essence, a patriarchy. Most American people would think having a female president would be too "strange."
Most people want a president who is going to seem strong and independent. In the eyes of most men, the typical woman has neither of these qualities (think of the "Cult of True Womanhood," which stresses a woman's submissiveness and reserve). Therefore, a woman may seem ill suited for the presidency to them.
Even if a political party were to pick a military woman as a candidate, people would find a problem with her, too. They would see her as too masculine, and therefore un-womanlike. But, being womanlike would scare some people off, too. It’s a catch-22 situation.
Then again, there are some women who may vote for a woman simply because she is a woman. And, of course, there is also the black community, who may vote for a black man simply because he is black. Both candidates would have almost guaranteed votes from these groups.
Still, in the long run, a black male would have more of a chance in an election, especially when you consider that one has already run (Colin Powell). The fact that he is a man is an instant plus. A woman with some sort of power or influence (for instance, Hillary Clinton or Janet Reno) is often not taken very seriously, or even mocked.
I find it sad that the question did not mention a black woman, or any other minorities. Yes, they have a longer history of oppression (especially the minority women, who have "the double bind of oppression" - being female and of a minority race), and their chances are slimmer than those of other groups, but the possibility is still there. I feel that they should be recognized as such.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
I stand up and applaud my 18-year-old self!