Recent criticisms surrounding Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin have been perceived as inappropriate and even sexist by many, including author of ‘Can Palin Juggle It All?’ (April Warren, Septermber 8, 2008) Although attacking a female politician for her negligence to her ‘motherly duties’ would normally appear uncalled for, Palin warrants such criticism precisely because her role as a mother of five is what she prides herself on. At the Republican National Convention, Palin was introduced as a ‘hockey mom.’ By repeatedly identifying as such, Palin has invited the country to recognize her as a mother among the many other things she allies herself with such, as a National Rifle Association supporter and fiscal conservative. Just as her ‘tax-relief’ policy in Alaska is being analyzed, so is her maternity. Palin is only being held to her responsibilities as a mother because she has chosen to identify as one. As a pro-lifer with a six-month-old child with Down syndrome, it is equally as important — not as a woman, but as a parent — to rear her child. Warren mentioned that prominent female politicians such as Hillary Clinton did not receive criticism for giving preference to their careers. Clinton did not become a prominent politician in her own right until she was elected to the Senate in 2000, by which time her daughter, Chelsea, was 20 years old. Clearly her situation as a parent cannot be compared to that of Sarah Palins’. Palin does, in fact, have plenty of other gaffes working against her as a politician without us having to assess her role as a mother, but by holding the positions she does regarding abortion and doting on her role as a mother, she has asked for such criticism that is in no way sexist. – Hira Ahmed
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Palin Critisism isn’t Sexist
October 5, 2008
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