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Look, I am very new to the arena of discussing ideas. So forgive me if I stub my toe or get convoluted. Let me back up and state EMPHATICALLY that I am not trying to lump all feminists (i.e. people) into what I am arguing. I am talking about a thread of Feminist Theory. However, even if many feminist vehemently disagree with me that doesn’t make me wrong and them right. In fact, I know many feminists would disagree with me, but that doesn’t make me wrong.

Also, the article starts off with the writers confession of her feelings of crisis concerning her understanding of feminism when juxtaposed with the persona and mindset of Palin. I am not railing against the article, I am using the article as proof. (By the way, the article makes Palin out to be a sort of temptress, using beauty to disable or gain the support of the entrenched male dominion… which is an unfounded accusation).

Now, the little trick you did with the “Wow. Now you are implying that being maternal, concerned with looks, wearing a skirt, and believing abortion is wrong are all key qualities of femininity.” helps me understand that you are in earnest and that I should be more careful with my words. So hopefully, I can clarify what I am trying to say now. The point I am trying to make is that Palin has already proven herself to be a leader. She runs the state of Alaska. Yet she isn’t dumping traditional nor stereotypical feminine qualities, as if they were a burden and hamper her potential. I am not saying that the aforementioned list are “key” qualities of femininity. Also, you reject my list of feminist attributes without putting forth you own definition or list. So in the end, I am not sure what idea of femininity we are discussing.

I reject your last paragraph, Todd. I never said anything about extrinsic factors being an indicator of qualified leadership. Please don’t pin that on me. In fact I am saying that Palin is a qualified leader, and her extrinsic factors are causing a crisis when juxtaposed with the particular Feminist Theory I am talking about, because her extrinsic factors don’t mesh with that understanding of qualified female leadership.

I hope that clears things up, and I hope this comment wasn’t too long… and boring… err, dull.

Wow. Now you are implying that being maternal, concerned with looks, wearing a skirt, and believing abortion is wrong are all key qualities of femininity. I have met many women who were very feminine and yet were missing several and in some cases all of the above mentioned qualities.

The article you and Debbie are railing against is about the author’s frustration at seeing the Republican party switch from attacking Hilary Clinton on frequently sexist grounds to raising Sarah Palin as a potential leader on similarly sexist grounds.
While I don’t agree with all of her politics, I completely agree with her viewpoint.

Ultimately we are looking for leadership in the presidential and vice presidential roles. Shouldn’t we as the American people be looking beyond appearance, perceived femininity (or lack thereof), and other extrinsic factors (like a vagina and breasts, or heaven forbid, a penis) to a person’s fitness for leadership. Are we really that shallow?

Good to hear from you old friend.
I am exaggerating to make a point, true. I know that not all feminists fit into what I’ve described. Extrinsic factors is only part of what I am talking about. In fact, I may actually agree with your point. Being feminine (and I mean, maternal, concerned with looks, wearing a skirt, and believing abortion is wrong) WITH the ability to lead is wrecking the picture of Feminism as pushed in colleges and in the popular media.

One of the things I find troubling about American Politics is the extra layer of baggage we have put on female candidates because they are women. There appears to be a greater emphasis on appearance and other extrinsic factors that really bear little weight in a candidate’s ability to lead.