two female politicians - two verrrrry different ones...
50 years ago just the concept of a woman as president would have warranted odd looks. Even ten years ago female politicians met a lot of opposition. But aren’t we all created equal? Many said that when Hillary Clinton decided to run for president that sex differences would diminish. But as the race to the white house proceeded, rather than having men and women move towards to equality, the inequalities were augmented. In a blog article from www.PortrayingPolitics.net, research writer Mervi Pantti discusses the stereotypes of women in politics. He states, “There has been concern that the modern bias facing women in politics is that the media simply use traditional frames built around the dominance of men in coverage of women, which makes it difficult for women to be portrayed as anything other than outsiders.” (Pantti, 2). Women politicians have one of two roles to play when in front of the media. They can either use the tactic of “self-trivialization” (3) or they can be stoic but face the brand of being a bitch. Pantti says “women who achieve the same results as men [are] ‘unique’” (4). But will there ever be just a run of the mill female politician?
When Sarah Palin and her pageant participatory past assumed the role of Republican Vice Presidential candidate everyone from CNN to SNL associated her with sex. For Hillary Clinton…the media did not. Because Palin wore expensive suits, high heels, and a big smile she was considered to be the unqualified bimbo. Reporters everywhere said that her attractiveness would no doubt have a negative effect on her campaign. Many voters did little to consider her as an actual politician instead just jumping on the band wagon by making fun of her. For Hillary Clinton it was quite the opposite. The media barely portrayed her a woman. They poked fun at her pants suits and claimed she would not be where she was if her husband, former president Bill Clinton, was not as achieved as he was. She was basically the antithesis of Sara Plain but receiving the same amount of public criticism. What does the media want out of a female politician? If being physically appealing hurts the chances of success but being solely goal oriented and very driven makes you “cold hearted” is there any female that will fit the bill?
Many people of past generation never imagined an African American man would become president. With women, it’s even harder for America to consider them as a possibility for presidency. “The new celebrity culture in politics does not seem to offer an alternative frame for women.” (Pantti, 2). Many women politicians feel they need to exploit their gender, for instance female politicians playing bimbo. This may hinder progress toward equality in media representations. Successful women are forced to fit into narrow-minded stereotypes through conventional frames by the media. All women need to work and dedicate their efforts the change the American public’s views. Instead of having “female politicians” there should only be “politicians”.
When Sarah Palin and her pageant participatory past assumed the role of Republican Vice Presidential candidate everyone from CNN to SNL associated her with sex. For Hillary Clinton…the media did not. Because Palin wore expensive suits, high heels, and a big smile she was considered to be the unqualified bimbo. Reporters everywhere said that her attractiveness would no doubt have a negative effect on her campaign. Many voters did little to consider her as an actual politician instead just jumping on the band wagon by making fun of her. For Hillary Clinton it was quite the opposite. The media barely portrayed her a woman. They poked fun at her pants suits and claimed she would not be where she was if her husband, former president Bill Clinton, was not as achieved as he was. She was basically the antithesis of Sara Plain but receiving the same amount of public criticism. What does the media want out of a female politician? If being physically appealing hurts the chances of success but being solely goal oriented and very driven makes you “cold hearted” is there any female that will fit the bill?
Many people of past generation never imagined an African American man would become president. With women, it’s even harder for America to consider them as a possibility for presidency. “The new celebrity culture in politics does not seem to offer an alternative frame for women.” (Pantti, 2). Many women politicians feel they need to exploit their gender, for instance female politicians playing bimbo. This may hinder progress toward equality in media representations. Successful women are forced to fit into narrow-minded stereotypes through conventional frames by the media. All women need to work and dedicate their efforts the change the American public’s views. Instead of having “female politicians” there should only be “politicians”.
- Rachel Rosenthal
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