I've been feeling especially feminist the last couple days. It started with this commentary on CNN, where the writer talks about Nancy Pelosi as though she's some sort of kindergarten teacher, instead of the Speaker of the House. Honestly, can you imagine any journalist ever writing anything about a male authority figure wanting to give someone a time-out?
Then, I saw this from HuffPo about how there are eight states and DC where insurance companies are allowed to consider being a victim of domestic violence to be a pre-existing condition, and therefore refuse coverage. Wow, way to look out for those who can't help themselves. Way to make it yet harder for these victims of abuse to seek the help and treatment they need.
Finally, I saw the story about how female congresspeople are more effective than male ones. Of course, we still only make up a ridiculous minority of the Senate and the House. At least here's an argument that may help us increase that percentage.
It's not that we haven't come a long way. Of course we have. And of course I am grateful that we have - grateful for my opportunities to go to a great law school and have a great job. But we still have one hell of a long way to go.
3 comments:
I share your sentiment, but not what gets you there.
Women operate in a weird world where they are expected to be traditionally feminine yet succeed in a professional sphere still dominated (yet becoming less so all the time) by traditionally masculine values. But politics is far behind. Demonize the market all you want, but there are consequences for discriminating in a way that costs you better employees. The legislative bodies you mention do not face the same pressures.
I know firsthand that a female politician can succeed without trying to have it both ways. Pelosi, on the other hand, plays up her status as a mother as much as she can. She is happy to have it this way: I succeeded in a man's world, but I am also happy to appeal to what the less enlightened think a woman should be. Male politicians typically do not flaunt their fatherhood this way.
As to the insurance issue; I think you are just bemoaning reality. Insurance companies are not in business to make it easier for women to reveal the abuse they have suffered. In fact, higher insurance premiums are an incentive to avoid abusive relationships.
As an end to this less than cohesive screed, let me say this. I have worked for two powerful women now, and neither of them gives a damn for contemplating their disadvantaged position. Not saying you are doing this - I don't read your post that way. Just saying that being successful in whatever you do is the most powerful message you can send to young girls and other women.
Hi Preston Hartman, just wondering what this means:
"neither of them gives a damn for contemplating their disadvantaged position"
I think that what you write about Pelosi playing up her status seems to be a good example of what you wrote in the first paragraph, so a little confusing.
Liz-
Not sure what you are asking. Was pointing out that Pelosi is less than courageous. Seems like you might think that she is one of the women I was talking about "not giving a damn."
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