I had a first tonight. I watched a vice presidential debate with my oldest child. Now, I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that :

a) he wanted to watch it...with me, nonetheless
b) he wanted to discuss it...with me, nonetheless
c) he is old enough to be aware of what is going on in the world
d) he'll be voting in the next election (that one is going to take me some time)

We had a great discussion, and it was intriguing to hear the perspective of someone almost ready to start his life as an adult. That got me thinking about how it feels to have spent an entire lifetime without seeing a woman elected to high office.

Although I do not come close to sharing her views on politics, women's issues or religion, and will not vote based on gender, I feel I should still be excited just to see a female vice presidential candidate. I know I was beside myself when I heard Geraldine Ferraro speak at a campaign stop on my college campus years ago. I felt that anything was possible. It was okay to be intelligent, articulate and female. The former qualities could indeed exist with the latter. After hearing Governor Palin, however, I can't say I feel anything close to excitement. If anything, I feel more of the overwhelming frustration I've felt for most of my adult life on the roles in which women are confined. (stay with me here....I promise this is not a one party or candidate is better than the other diatribe)

Here is the thing. I understand the Governor's broad-based appeal is her down-home accessibility. I get where that it is a selling point to her campaign. What is beyond my comprehension is why a woman running for office garners positive attention for being 'just a hockey mom' but is branded as cold or bitchy when she plays politics with the same level of aggression as her male counterparts. The double standard is so enormous, I'm astounded the media doesn't trip on it regularly on their way to reporting whether or not a mother of young children could run this country should the need arise. Clearly, these "journalists" have not seen the logistical miracles that happen in my house or any single mother's house on a daily basis.  Non-issue, folks.  Talk to me instead about whether someone's experience qualifies them for that responsibilty.

I have never met Governor Palin, but in every interview I have seen or heard, I feel we are getting the dumbed-down version, and I think that is a waste to us as a nation and an insult to women regardless of party affiliation. After witnessing society's and the media's treatment of Geraldine Ferraro in the 80's and Hillary Clinton more recently, I think we all know what happens to articulate women who dare to speak their minds without a warm, wholesome smile. Welcome to the glass ceiling we all want to pretend still doesn't exist. Even if you don't agree with their politics, no one can argue these women were treated in the same manner as their male counterparts.

Let's talk about this whole 'Mom' angle, starting with the comparison of Hockey Moms and pit bulls. It got some intense media coverage, but the real issue had no air time at all. Lipstick has nothing to do with it, folks. Compare a pit bull to any mother with her children's interests at heart and you'll find the real difference is the dog is at least acknowledged for it's power. The stereotypical mom is sweet, selfless, and wholesome. You want to see fierce? Look at a mom trying to make sure her kids get what they need while she's holding down a job...or two....or three. Pit bulls have nothing on me when my kids need something.

Why is it so beyond the realm of possibility to admit that moms can also be articulate, intelligent, driven and uncompromising? Why are we still pigeonholed as SUV-driving, car pooling, passive aggressive, smile-while-you-shred-someone makers of apple pie?

Why is it okay to consistently avoid intelligent discussion on the specifics of policy, but if you don't show emotion during your campaign your message is lost in the discussion over when you'll finally break down in public?

Whoever wins, and however the upcoming election turns out, God help us if we, as a nation, don't figure out that dumbing down women for public consumption serves no one.

blessings,

Catie

Copyright 2008 WomanLinks.com

About the Author : Catie Hayes is founder/editor of WomanLinks.com; a community of support, spirituality, growth and empowerment for women. She is a freelance writer, the single homeschooling mom of two, and an avid fan of laughter, spontaneous dancing, cats and chocolate (not necessarily in that order).