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01.10.08 04:03 PM
Hillary Vs Barack: Worthy Reads
Hillary vs. Barack? A Black (Male) Feminist Considers
by Mark Anthony Neal
I have to admit, that I haven't thought much about the gender question as it relates to the contest between Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. That is until Gloria Steinem shot a bow across the collective dome of so many folk who claim a progressive gender (and sexual) politics. Writing recently in the New York Times, Steinem asks aloud: what if it was "Achola Obama" and not Barack Obama who was running for president? According to Steinem, "nether [Achola Obama] nor Hillary Clinton could have used Mr. Obama's public style--or Bill Clinton's either--without being considered too emotional by Washington pundits." And while I'm with my colleague Salamishah Tillet, who suggested that Steinem didn't have to create "Achola Obama"--the example of Carol Moseley Braun's 2004 Presidential run would have sufficed--Steinem is on point when she asks "why is the sex barrier not taken as seriously as the racial one?" [Vibe.com for more]
Letter To My White Sisters: That Hurts My Feelings
By Maria Niles
Lately (especially post Iowa) I am seeing more and more of my white sisters saying that one of the reasons Hillary Clinton should be elected is because of the powerful, world changing, patriarchy smashing, awesome and beautiful message it would send. And I agree it would. But when you imply or flat out say that having a white woman in the White House is more important than having a black man there, that hurts my feelings as Hillary Clinton might say. [PopConsuer for more]
Other worthy links:
Liza Sabater of culture kitchen breaks down the hip-hop vote in: Why did Hillary win?
Jay Smooth's quick vlog thought on why Obama won in Iowa: Barack Obama and "Tolerance Fatigue"
Laura McKenna takes a look at the "chickosphere" to guage how women really view Hillary: What Do Women (Voters) Want?
Clay Cane on how Hillary got NH but also a peek ahead to SC and the black vote in: Miss Hill Cries, Billy Whines
My own post on Barack's celebrity: Obama's Iowa Win and the Power of Oprah
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Comments
The recent discussion around gender has surprised me, as if nobody noticed that Clinton was a woman.
But, really, it's that the movement for gender equality, not to mention liberty from gender, is not currently visible in a way that makes people pay attention so a lot of the guys, in particular seem to have been asleep on that one.
I was going to comment on Neal's post at Vibe but they make you register so I'm over here. Hope you don't mind.
His comment:
"Like Geraldine Ferraro, the democratic vice-presidential candidate in 1984, Ms. Clinton has a political style that easily disassociates itself with stereotypical notions of femininity--a style that is largely dictated by the masculine sensibilities of electoral politics in our country. Ironically, Clinton's willingness to play the game on patriarchy's terms has been, until recently, used against her."
What is his point here? And why would you assume that her overall personal style not being "feminine" means that she's playing the game on patriarchy's terms?
Isn't it possible that she's the hard ass she seems and she likes that?
One of the big things that the women's movement, in all its diverse forms, has helped create is the opportunity to not get stuck in gender roles.
The discourse on gender and sexuality in this country is so stunted. It's gone backwards since the early 90s and I can't even involve myself in most such conversations because of the childish level on which most operate.
I'll back Hilary or Barack and it won't be because of their gender or race. It will be because they're Democrats who seem to have reasonable ideas and could win.
Hilary's a very pragmatic woman that could make things happen. We know this based on her record.
Barack looks good, he says the right things but he's not very seasoned. I'd hate for him to get ripped in the White House like Carter did but I'm willing to help give him the chance.
Beyond that, as long as people buy into gender binaries, which are simplistic and crude approximations of reality, I'm not even interested in the discussion.
posted by Clyde Smith | January 10, 2008 6:03 PM #
I was hoping I wouldn't be the only commenter.
In any case, I do want to say that I look forward to a black President, a woman President and, someday, a black woman President.
My previous comments weren't intended to downplay the importance of those things.
I don't keep up with young politicians but I sure hope there are some more Shirley Chisholms coming along.
It bothers me that the Republicans have done a better job of putting black women and men in high places. But this election is a good chance for the Democrats to turn that around.
posted by Clyde Smith | January 12, 2008 9:40 AM #