You Don't Know Me

To Senator John McCain,

Sarah Palin is not my role model.

I saw this on many a G-chat and Facebook status on Thursday. And I can't help but echo the sentiment.

Do you know who my role models are, John McCain? My mom. My dad. My uncle, who is a kick-butt attorney and uses his powers for good. The women I write this blog with.
Your opponent.

Women are not monolithic. But I don't even think that was what you were getting at. I think that what you were trying to say, Senator, was that Sarah Palin is a role model for women because she has taken strides, because she could be in position of power this time next year that a woman has never had. And I will concede that she has had to deal with some sexist nonsense. Sure. But Obama has dealt with racism all through this process, too. And I don't think the paternalistic language that you use when talking about her helps. Just between us, I think you chose her because you don't see her as an equal or superior...but that is for another blog.

I don't think that someone who wants to deny women their right to choose is a role model for women. Or men. Or anyone. Or someone who thinks killing animals is a sport. Or who lets their supporters yell racial slurs at their crew. Or embraces the ridiculous, inflammatory language of calling Obama a terrorist. Someone who wants to keep letting the rich get richer while the poor and middle class struggle along.

If you were to present that list to someone and ask them if they were qualities of a role model for women and girls, I'm going to take a guess that many women would say no. These are not feminist qualities. They aren't principles of equality.

I think where you've gone wrong, Senator, is assuming that just because someone was born female that they represent us. If you wanted to talk about role models for women, you should have looked to your right. Maybe spend some time with Michelle Obama. Or Justice Ginsberg. Or even Dr. Rice. But don't try to pass off your choice as the new patron of strong women. Just don't. We're smarter than that.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth, age 27