Posts Tagged ‘Sexism’
Palin and Sexism
I recently received an e-mail from a very good friend with that list of books that Sarah Palin supposedly wanted to have banned from the library in Wasila. Perhaps you’ve seen it? It’s going around. This is my response.
My dear friend,
While it is true that you and I share many political views, I must be truthful and tell you that I do not believe that the e-mail you sent me, with a list of proposed books to be banned, is true.
This is an exciting time in politics and for the world. A woman is a nominee for Vice President! I do not agree with most Republican viewpoints but at the same time I am watchful of sexism directed at Sarah Palin. I am thrilled that a woman is in the position where Sarah Palin now stands, and I am saddened that the Clinton’s didn’t run a better campaign. Regardless of their politics, both women deserve better from the media and from American voters.
Regarding the banning of books, the librarian herself was interviewed and said that there was never a specific list of books discussed and that Palin had asked her how she would respond IF Palin wanted to ban books. Of course the librarian was horrified but it never came to that. Many of the books on that list weren’t even written when Palin was Mayor. I am not condoning her behavior. But she is a Republican with a strong Christian following and I do not find it surprising that she would want to know how to go about banning books. I’m not saying that all Christians want to ban books – but I am saying that I am not surprised that she asked the question. The point is that the story about her attempting to ban a specific list of books never happened. Please see the snopes.com research on this subject: Snopes – Palin/Banned books.
And the thing about the trooper – both the trooper who is her ex-brother in law, and the safety director kept their jobs. No one was fired. I think that the director has since left and has been giving interviews saying that he didn’t like working for Palin but it is still unclear that he was fired because he refused to fire her ex-brother in law. That matter is still being investigated and I have no opinion other than to tell you that if I were a Mayor or a Governor and my sister was involved in a nasty divorce with a government employee, I might drop a few hints that I would like him to be fired.
I am sorry if my viewpoints offend – that is certainly not my intention. But I want to see a discussion about issues and what will truly be best for the country. I worry that e-mails like the one you forwarded will only contribute to the ongoing “we are right and they are wrong” bullshit that divides us.
The American political process has become a war of talking-heads merely gossiping and investigative journalism seems to be a thing of the past. Photo opportunities are staged for the media, and American voters base their decision on height and hairstyle, rather than comparing leadership ability, negotiation skills, and a true desire to uphold the Constitution.
Lots of love and all my best,
Corinna
And that is what I have to say about that.
