This question has been bothering me since the Democratic Primaries.
And with the gop strategy of screaming sexism all the time to keep Palin from being challenged this has become an even more pressing question.
I am a woman. I always believed in being treated equal. I never wanted to be treated different because of my gender.
So why is it that when a woman runs for Office she is to be treated different from her male counterparts.
Since I was a kid and tomboy, I would take offense if I was treated with kid gloves because I was a girl. I climbed higher, rode my bike faster and could fight with the best of them.
This carried into my adult life. I am proud of being strong and capable. I take pride in having a brain. I am on the short side, 5'/2", so I realize my physical limits. But, I can carrying my own and insist on it.
So, during the New Hampshire primary I was confused when women took exception to Obama saying Hillary was likable enough. It was a joke and if it was directed at a man it would have been hillarious. But, because it was a woman, suddenly it's hands off.
To be fair, I also felt the MLK vs. Johnson on the Civil Rights thing was a bit too much in charging racism. Historically, both were equally responsible as well as JFK and others.
The same held true thorughout the primaries and charges of mostly faux sexism ensued. By the end of the primaries alot of bitterness in Hillary supporters was built up by these faux charges and this has made for a difficult coming together.
But, truth be told, Hillary is alot stronger mentally and emotionally then alot of men. And she has spent her adult life around politics and can give as good as she gets and more. She is no delicate blossom.
I'm sure it's frustrating at times for her to be boxed in by this double standard but, it plays well politically. Hillary is no dummy.
Now we face the same situation with Palin. The woman is hard and tough and with a mouth. She can throw a punch. So, why do the men have to tip toe around her when she is allowed to be as nasty as she wants?
I hate double standards from both sides. But, I always felt if women want true equality and respect, then they need to be treated as a man and not just when it's to their benefit.
If they run for office, if something is said that is like it would be to a man then why not a woman? Why is it taboo? Why is she to be given only mannerly treatment. That is to me sexist.
I do think if it is truly sexist like the nasty jokes or tricks played solely because someone is a woman then it is only right to be upset, demand better and expect better. Or if they call you 'honey' or something then women have to be up in arms.
I'm sure this pondering will upset some of my fellow women. However, I simply do not believe we can ever be seen as equal and be as respected unless we are prepared to be treated equal professionally. Even if that profession is the rough and tumble world of politics.
It seems sad that in order to counter Palin's nastiness, Obama has to dispatch democratic women to fight his battles. I'm sure they are happy to do so but, they have their own offices to run and schedules to keep.
And some have their own races to run.
Like I said, this does not excuse people who want to use sexism but, in a regular race between to equals then, women should not be so off limits and the other side should be able to defend and battle the same way as a man. On equal terms.