How should feminism deal with Sarah Palin? I’m not talking about the complex individual behind the Lens Crafters. I’m talking about the Palin image that’s carefully being molded to fit into some very sexist stereotypes. She was chosen to stand by McCain’s side because she’s designed to appeal to both sides of the traditional gender divide. She has a vagina which is supposed to be enough to earn my female vote, and she’s easily typecast as the sexy librarian which should appeal to men driven by pornographic fantasies. It’s insulting to all of us. Palin is being used as a token of tolerance for a political party that’s by the white men, of the white men, and for the white men. Palin is a woman who’s gotten ahead because she’s willing to knock other women down a few pegs while she climbs the political ladder. How should feminism deal with Sarah Palin? Feminism can’t support Sarah Palin or the policies that she would bring into an administration. These policies would at their very foundation be anti-woman. Feminism can’t remain silent. Allowing Palin into a place of real power is not an option. However, feminism can not stomach Palin being turned into a teenage boy’s wet dream with things like the Palin sex doll, Nailin Palin, or the strip club look alike contests. When we stand against how sexism has been weaponized to undermine Palin, we stand up for all women to be seen first and foremost for their merits and not their vaginas. Defending Sarah Palin for the feminist community is like taking cough syrup, it’s good for us but it sure is hard to swallow.
Rebekah Carrow
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