Gender roles in politics

[blue-mangos.livejournal.com]

Yes, I know, this is exactly the type of post you’d expect from me, but hey, at least it’s not about OBL. (much)

Recently a photo was released of top White House staff watching real-time video of the mission to take down OBL.



Since then much has been made over Hillary Clinton’s facial expression and the fact that she is covering her mouth. Apparently it is felt she is showing too much emotion, due to being a woman, and therefore this is seen as an undesirable trait. She has released a statement saying it is possible she was simply covering her mouth to stifle a cough but even if she was emotional watching the video, why is this a negative thing? Remember she was watching real-time video of her country’s soldiers risking their lives in a dangerous mission. I would say emotion would be called for at a time like that. If I were to ever undertake a dangerous mission I would want to know the men and women who sent me on it were concerned about my safety and well-being and did not view me as expendable.

Very few news outlets have said anything about the expressions of the men in the room (Biden looks almost bored, maybe because there were no trains in the video?) so why is it we are focusing on Hillary Clinton? Why is femininity still seen as a weakness, in politics and in general life? Men are often told to ‘man up’ or ‘stop being such a pussy’, meaning stop acting like a woman, or stop showing any weakness. This does a disservice to both genders, denigrating women while at the same time pushing men into narrowly defined and often unreasonable expectations of what it means to be a man.

The media seems almost obsessed with gender roles in society, from the recent controversy over a J. Crew ad showing a mother painting her son’s toenails pink (the horror!) to speculating that Angelina Jolie is trying to turn her daughter Shiloh into a boy by dressing her in boy’s clothes and cutting her hair short to focusing on female politicians clothing choices and hairstyles rather than their positions. Since society is influenced so strongly by the media these attitudes stay entrenched in our minds.

We need to stop viewing stereotypical feminine traits such as emotion and empathy as weaknesses if we are going to break out of this pattern and allow women a more equitable role in politics. Men still make up a large majority of our political leaders and although we do have many prominent women, both in place now and in past government administrations around the world, they are still the exception, not the norm. I believe Hillary Clinton herself would not be in the position she is today if she were not married to Bill Clinton. She would still have the same qualifications and ability to do her job but she would not have been even considered as a presidential nominee in 2008 if it were not for her high-profile of being a former first lady.

After the recent Canadian elections we now have more women in parliament than ever before. Polls show this is largely due to the youth vote. The simple answer would be that the youth of today will make a difference in changing the face of politics. But every generation before them also felt they could change the world. As we get older, our idealism and our passion to make a difference often fall by the wayside. As today’s youth age, they may too give up the fight to bring change. And, although strides towards equality have definitely been made it is moving at a maddeningly slow rate, especially considering how long the feminist movement has been active.

I have little faith that true representation in government for women will ever be achieved, at least not in my lifetime. To allow this we will need a complete overhaul of societal thinking towards gender roles and traits and that is an area I’ve seen little improvement in over the past 25 years, and the reaction to this photo shows how long of a road we still have to travel.

Comments

[yes-justice.livejournal.com]

Apparently it is felt she is showing too much emotion, due to being a woman

Seriously? Who ever is bothered by that is insane. Period.

John Bohner cries at the idiocy.

Early on in our nation building efforts in Afghanistan, a woman wanted 50% female representation in the Afghan parliament. "We don't even have that in the United States" she was told.
"Just because the USA is barbaric, doesn't mean Afghanistan should be" was her reply.

[underlankers.livejournal.com]

^Thank you.

[htpcl.livejournal.com]

Strange Amurkkins. This is an issue? Amazing, to what levels the media could devolve. It's bad to show emotion when you're a politician, now? She didn't have to issue any statements about stifling a cough. All of this is just... I dunno, dumb.

[blue-mangos.livejournal.com]

It really is ridiculous that this issue would be focused on and that she would have to make an excuse for her response. But yes, showing emotion is still seen as a weakness in politics.

[sandwichwarrior.livejournal.com]

I don't get it either and I live here.

[luvdovz.livejournal.com]

I have little faith that true representation in government for women will ever be achieved, at least not in my lifetime.

Speak for your corner of the globe. I come from Iceland and I live in Sweden, both countries with a lasting tradition of empowering women in politics, and in a real way. Just have a brief look at the list of top leaders of these countries (you may also add Finland, Norway and Denmark if you like). This has ceased being an issue of any sorts here for ages.

[blue-mangos.livejournal.com]

You are right, I am speaking from a North American perspective. It heartens me to know that such strides have been made in other countries though.

So if a picture such as this were released of one of your female politicians would there be no talk in the media there as to her showing emotion?

[ddstory.livejournal.com]

Photo of the Swedish government (http://www.sweden.gov.se/content/1/c6/07/99/76/3fa70396.jpg). 11 out of 24 are women. Including the ministries of justice, trade, health, culture, EU affairs, and yes, there's a ministry of gender equality.

Photo of the Icelandic government (http://www.finfacts.ie/artman/uploads/2/Iceland_government-February_2009_august142009.jpg). 5 out of 10 are women, including the prime-minister (the president is in the middle). Including the ministry of social affairs, education, justice, and education.

Most legendary Icelandic politician of all time (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vigd%C3%ADs_Finnbogad%C3%B3ttir): Vigdís Finnbogadóttir.

First openly gay leader of a country in the world (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%B3hanna_Sigur%C3%B0ard%C3%B3ttir): Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir.

[jonathankorman.livejournal.com]

Well said.

I have also seen commentaries saying, “Look, sexism has been defeated! There are two women in the room for this! Wow!”

I had really hoped that we were at least a little better than that.

[blue-mangos.livejournal.com]

Thank you :)

And yes, it is a sad commentary on our society when having one woman at the table and a second at the back is held up as proof as to the non-existence of sexism.

[fizzyland.livejournal.com]

Bill Maher included a takedown of Sarah Palin in his most recent show after she brainfarted on Twitter about how Obama needs to stop "pussyfooting around" and release the BOOM, HEADSHOT! photos of Osama.

[mintogrubb.livejournal.com]

Well, I guess it is ok to show emotions like rage and pathalogical hatred for someone - men are like that and okay with it, and they run the media, or at least like to think so.

Stuff that takes a few more brain cells - empathy, genuine concern for others , sadness, vulnerability... not so much.

The Masculine mindset is a bit like the KBP gambit in chess - let me explain it to someone who has never played...

Chess is a strategy based game - white attacks and black defends and reacts to White's moves. but supposing Black wants to lead and dominate white by calling the shots?
Black simply pushes a pawn out ( Usually the King's Bishop's Pawn) to where White can take it with ease. Whammy - White takes Black's pawn, and White is now a single pawn up on Black in the first 3 moves.

But Black counter attacks, and tries to take that pawn , and level the score. now , instead of keeping the intitiate and letting the pawn go and getting on with the game, White will often react by defending that pawn, and suddenly, Black is the attacker, and white is on the back foot, reacting to Black and being the passive player to whites attacks.

Once you set it up, the KBP gambit gives the recipient a *percieved* sense of superiority, and an advantage that they feel that they have just got to defend. And the truth is, the King's Bishop's Pawn is just no big deal - let the other guy take it and get on with the game, keep the initiative by making a new attack and keep black on the defensive..

Being one pawn up in the first 3 moves is a bit like having a dick - it isn't really that big a difference to the outcome, unless you choose to make it wht the game is all about.

It seems to me like men fetishise the 'tough, invulnerable exterior' bit to the extent where they feel that they are losing if they let it drop.

Better to be realistic, i feel, and accept that we have frailties and just learn to live with that - rather than go into denial.

Sadly , this isn't how men are taught to behave, and even women are beginning to believe that 'getting on' means being brash, uncring , insensitive and confrontational - often acting that way to get on . Palin is a prime example.

[the-rukh.livejournal.com]

I'm just wondering but is the issue you're really targeting that being too emotional is considered a bad thing?

[blue-mangos.livejournal.com]

In the sense that emotional=feminine weakness, yes. Because that's what the media is focusing on. Not even being too emotional, showing any at all is somehow seen as a weakness, not as an asset for a politician.

[policraticus.livejournal.com]

The picture is a Rorschach test. It says more about the view than it does about the object under view. She could be brushing crumbs off her lip or yawning for all we know.

[the-rukh.livejournal.com]

To me she looks like she's stroking her face in a pondering motion. I do that a lot, though I have facial hair.

(frozen) (no subject)

[weythran.livejournal.com]

This is a staged photo. It was confirmed that they didn't have any incoming video feed.

And no, H. Clinton is by no measure too "feminine". She knows how to simulate femininity with her hand gestures, though. But for a woman to be comfortable being in politics for such a long period, one would truly need to be a hardened abnormality.

(frozen) (no subject)

[the-rukh.livejournal.com]

You sure she doesn't just have feminine hand gestures? It's ok you know.

Lastly, is it confirmed that the photo is staged or just that they didn't have a video feed from somewhere?

[normaltrouble.livejournal.com]

Sooner or later, probably in a decade, and I hope no sooner, because I think it would be too rushed and without perspective--there will be a movie about "that weekend".

Of course, the focus in the movie could be from many POV-- adventure? The Navy Seals. Cast Keifer Sutherland ( in 2021, he's around 58ish I think...) and Jamil Walker Smith (he'd be around 35-40 years old) the burnt out experienced guy, and the smart tech savvy guy, or something like that, or they could go about slowly revealing after a normal day through the everyday life of President Obama, etc.

But as to diversity? If they cast per that picture, it would be 2 women, both white, around 10 men, white, and 1 African-American. Not very diverse. The ages seem diverse- 30's through 60's, but as a picture, extrapolating onto a movie made where that room is about 30% of the movie--if made in 2020, released in 2021 it would be in stark contrast from what I hope will be a more diverse nation with a more diverse power base.

It will be a historical photograph, and represent a "typical" governmental spread of power structure in 2011 and give many students of history, and of President Obama and Secretary Clinton, an example of a demographic spread in power in the politics of this year.

Maybe not the definitive example, but it will be studied alongside other primary sources, in a hundred years from now.

As to emotions, I have seen people of both genders, while knowing they were upset, or sick, or very tired, or confused or extremely busy, or angry, even while mourning, still keep the "professional" mask on.
People learn to do this.

Others don't-- as I am one who let's her professional mask fall off and on, I can relate to Clinton's expression of shock and concern. Of course a person would watch this event and be shocked and concerned. She is reacting, seriously, to a serious, intense event.

I think her emotions are appropriate, and President Obama looks tired, and very focused, and intent. He also seems to be one of the others showing emotion, a sort of resignation --maybe towards having to use violence, I am not too sure. He also looks burdened, as well he is.

[blue-mangos.livejournal.com]

Thank you for replying on-topic, it is very much appreciated after all the above.

I have a question for you though. Why is emotion, especially in a very charged, intense situation, something that should be hidden behind a professional mask? And if it's not, then why should that be judged?

[kylinrouge.livejournal.com]

It doesn't help that American attitudes actively discourage females from participating in politics. Ever seen a 'hot girl' run for office? No, because nobody expects them to. Societal pressures to preserve traditional roles for women stifle their progressive growth toward equality.

[enders-shadow.livejournal.com]

Palin?
Nikki Haley ain't bad lookin neither.

[devil-ad-vocate.livejournal.com]

Everyone in the room seems to recognize that what they are watching is disturbing. At least I would hope so.

[abomvubuso.livejournal.com]

I think she's just yawning. I could be wrong of course, but it looks like it. Also she should've yawned at those who tried to make it a story in the news.

[anfalicious.livejournal.com]

We need to stop viewing stereotypical feminine traits such as emotion and empathy as weaknesses

This. We've made great strides in sex discrimination over the last few decades, but little progress with gender discrimination. If a woman wants to be a political/corporate leader, she needs to exhibit masculine traits; right down to the power lapels and shoulder pads of their pants suit that are a psychological penis replacement. This is what is being shown as "ideal" for females these days; the perfect woman is no longer "chef in the kitchen, whore in the bedroom" she is "chef in the kitchen, whore in the bedroom, man in the boardroom". Comparably, look at how we treat feminine roles; "nurturing" and "caring" careers, the traditional female roles of teachers, nurses and social workers are paid less than jobs that require similar education, effort and skill set but are "masculine". Additionally, see how we treat men who take on feminine roles; such as primary care giver. I've known a few house husbands (been one myself at times) and you get no respect when you tell people that you stay at home to look after the kids. You are completely emasculated and treated as a lesser person, just for taking on a female role (this last one isn't a boo hoo men have it bad too point, it's trying to highlight the difference between sex and gender discrimination).

[blue-mangos.livejournal.com]

No, please don't feel you have to diminish your last point, narrow definitions of gender roles cut both ways. I absolutely agree that stay at home husbands and fathers, who are performing a vitally important role, get no respect in society.

I also feel sorry for you men sometimes in that you are expected to show no weakness or emotions. It must be exhausting at times. A good cry is a wonderful release.

[geezer-also.livejournal.com]

True fact: when I am sitting at my computer, except when I am typing, my hand is in front of my face almost exactly like that, the major difference is that I use my left hand (my right is on the mouse) It doesn't mater whether I am watching a video or reading the deathless prose of a T_P thread, it's the same. My Point: why is this a big deal, and who is making it so?????

[anfalicious.livejournal.com]

Where do you place your hands when you drive?

[gunslnger.livejournal.com]

You forgot the people making fun of Boehner just because he gets a little emotional.

[blue-mangos.livejournal.com]

He was actually discussed in a thread above. The reason he gets so much flack is he shows emotion which is seen as a weakness and tied to femininity.

[mrsilence.livejournal.com]

I have to say you have a good point about the negative and false association between high emotion and women.

But this needs to be balanced with the fact that genuine strong emotional responses to events are not a positive thing for a politician of any gender to regularly display. Emotional intelligence is even more important for decision makers wielding political power than intellect and this is how we (the only way we can, really) judge it by.

Personally I doubt Hillary was expressing anything particularly emotional, it's just a single snap shot that could mean anything and it seems entirely out of character for her. If she was in the habit of crying or getting constantly overwhelmed then pundits might have a point, but whether you like her politics or not you can't say she isn't in control of herself.

[anfalicious.livejournal.com]

[sandwichwarrior.livejournal.com]

Frankly, In my poinion her expression is entirly appropriate for somone who is watching a live execution.

Killing is serious business.

[anfalicious.livejournal.com]

Srs like teh internets?

[airiefairie.livejournal.com]

Oh no...People have to be careful about their face expression in every single moment, now?

[eracerhead.livejournal.com]

To allow this we will need a complete overhaul of societal thinking towards gender roles and traits and that is an area I’ve seen little improvement in over the past 25 years

I don't understand how you can expect such an enormous change in such a short amount of time.

[blue-mangos.livejournal.com]

er...I don't. That's why I said I had little faith in it happening in my lifetime.

[my-wits-end.livejournal.com]

I don't have much time to write a substantive response, but just want to say I enjoyed reading your post, agree with most everything you've said, and I think you're awesome.

[blue-mangos.livejournal.com]

Wow, thank you. I'm very touched.:)