Women's Rights in the News

Perhaps in an effort to atone for the masked (or, at times, not so clandestine) sexism in the media regarding the democratic primaries, various news outlets and columnists were addressing feminist and women's health issues today.

One of the main threads has been the fate of the white female vote now with Hillary's withdrawal from the race. Some news outlets have been putting the microphone in front of the mouths Hillary supporters' who would rather go to McCain than turn to the dark side.

As columns by the Times' Frank Rich and Ariana Huffington demonstrate, however, this move may not neccesarily be as en masse as it seems. And even if middle aged white women are saying they will vote McCain, the sooner they learn about his policies regarding a woman's right to choose and reproductive health (125/130 votes against choice), the sooner they change their minds.

Rich does well to point out that "the notion that all female Clinton supporters became “angry white women” once their candidate lost — to the hysterical extreme where even lifelong Democrats would desert their own party en masse — is itself a sexist stereotype."

At the rally before Hillary's good-bye speech, I did hear a handful of staunch supporters (ages roughly 50-60) say they might vote for McCain. Reporters, huddled around their little camera platform, were practically foaming at the mouth to talk to these vocal women.

However, even the most vocal supporter in my vicinity (so vocal she was urging those around her to clap their hands and sing when "We Are Family" was playing over the loudspeakers), had changed her mind after hearing Clinton's extremely supportive cry for Obama. Though, to be entirely fair, there were indeed audible 'boos' at the mention of his name.

Both Rich, Huffington and Maureen Dowd make passing mention of a crude joke McCain once told in 1998 about Hillary and Chelsea Clinton and Janet Reno. This, of course, made me curious. I think any woman considering voting for McCain should hear this.

Allegedly, McCain said, "Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly?"

"Because her father is Janet Reno."

Chelsea was a teenager at the time; McCain was still a senior citizen. I think this proves that she (yeah, Chelsea!) is closer to deserving the highest office of this country than he.

He told Maureen Dowd ''I will always maintain a sense of humor. Life is too short not to.''

Well, you know what I find funny, John?

http://www.thingsyoungerthanmccain.com/

The Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches are younger than John McCain. So are chocolate chip cookies.

I've gotten sidetracked by John McCain's near-octegenarian status. PS. Read this about ageism.

Now, other Times' column. Nick Kristof writes today about a UN special session regarding sexual violence. You can read more about this opportunity for action at human rights watch online.

And finally, Sarah Odell, Wellesley junior with her insight into the Clinton campaign and the importance of feminism from today's Washington Post. I can't believe that girls can go into college, much less come out not wanting to be labeled feminists because of all that feminism entails, but in some ways I guess thats a good thing because it means the women attending colleges such as Wellesley and Vassar grow up hearing the same thing men have heard for years: You can be whatever you set out to be.