Feminism...

Living in Korea I have been insulated from most of the political commentary surrounding the primary season. I had to search for it, mostly from newspapers and online sources. And the distance resulted in my missing most of the rampant sexism surrounding Hillary Clinton's candidacy. But, now that Hillary Clinton has left the race, the issue of sexism is being included in the post-game analysis. And while I supported Obama, the discussion surrounding Hillary Clinton has left me feeling simultaneously saddened and livid.

I'm deeply saddened by the news media. I expected sexism when Hillary became a legitimate presidential candidate. But, even with these expectations, I was still too naive and optimistic. I expected the sexism to be from older generations, and I expected it to be subtle. I expected newscasters to only hint at stereotypes, out of fear of becoming too politically incorrect. But, I couldn't have been more wrong. Comparisons of Clinton to a nagging spouse, to an ex-wife outside of probate court, to Lorena Bobbitt, to a sexless monster, to Glenn Close in "Fatal Attraction" and to dozens of other awful female caricatures, highlighted the lack of fear the news media felt. The media caters to it's audience. If the viewing audience was offended by sexist remarks and bigotry, then the news media would have steered clear. In short, they knew their audience and they weren't worried. That saddens me.

It also infuriates me because I am a woman. And the people with podiums and illusions of credibility who disseminate "truth" and "fact" have created impossible expectations and a double standard. They have decried women for being too emotional and moody, but mocked strong and powerful female decision makers. They have claimed a fear of a female candidate focusing on "women's issues" while refusing to acknowledge that any issue that affects half a county's population should be the concern of the entire population. And even worse, they have failed to ever apply the same standard to male counterparts; never questioning the legitimacy of a male's candidacy based upon his "men's issue" agenda. These media faces and voices have a national podium from which their words seep into homes, classrooms and minds. Their total failure to recognize the impact of their rhetoric is appalling and vile. Hundreds (literally hundreds) of studies have shown that words drastically influence the way we identify, humanize and treat one another. There is no doubt that just a few select words used to label another as different or inferior, results in others altering their treatment according to the description. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. And so I am infuriated when I hear newscasters using hateful and derogatory words that cast a vision of females as "others." Furthering that rhetoric, further perpetuates the prophecy.

Feminism is about respect.
It isn't about being the same.
It's about being equal.
Four quarters and a dollar.