As a new year begins and I take stock of the political climate in the United States, I can’t help but wonder why there are still so few women in political positions. While there are a number of explanations for this, like many other people I wonder if some women shy away from political life after witnessing female political leaders being insulted based on their appearance. Yes, men’s clothing choices and appearance are also occasionally discussed in the media; however, these things seem to be much more central in discussions about women political leaders.
While women are picked apart for what they look like almost everywhere, you wouldn’t think it would be as commonplace as it is in politics. This has been an issue for every strong female figure in the political realm, regardless of political affiliation: U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Gov. Sarah Palin, and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi have all been criticized for their appearance.
You may argue that the media is critical of male politicians as well — this is true. However, such criticisms seem to be about male politicians’ behaviors and policies, not usually about appearance. How often do you hear a news broadcaster comment on a male politician’s “cankles” or physique, where he shops, or the expense of his clothing?
Unfortunately, these criticisms of bodies and appearance are not uncommon for women political leaders, and such insults have nothing to do with how effective a woman politician is in office. It also has the unfortunate effect of overshadowing the work that our women political leaders are doing.
I find it infuriating to see great women role models reduced to such trivial and absurd banter. Let’s recognize these women as the great (or not so great, depending on your opinion) political leaders they are and for the contributions they have made to our society.
This post was written by National Student Advisory Council member Kerry Diekmann.
Kerry,
Thank you for posting this–you are spot-on with this analysis. The Women’s Media Center did a short video after the Democratic primaries (Hillary Clinton vs. Barack Obama) which pointed this out. Not only does it discourage women from political life, I would argue that it discourages women from all sorts of public appearances. Emily’s response is correct, too. I believe that is the intent of these sexist insults–not just a message to the women they are specifically directed at, but to all women.
The only appearance related gibes I can think of about a male politician have to do with John Boehner’s orange artificial tan. Of course that is just a grooming flaw not something innate and hard to alter.
It is so infuriating. Feminist psychologists suggest that a focus on women’s appearance is a tactic to prevent us from gaining power (keeping us preoccupied and undervalued). If this were the case, it makes sense that women in power would be so criticized. How can we change this issue that seems to be so deeply ingrained in society? It seems to me that we might start shifting things by raising our individual consciousness about the ways in which we willingly comply and even sometimes embrace our own objectification. I am both passionate about, and challenged by, this issue.