The presidential election, for which I could arouse no interest, much less passion, has taken an amazing twist, changed the political landscape, and hooked me with its surprises. I've been wondering why this is true, and why I feel a sense of release and freedom because of the inclusion of Sarah Palin into the mix.
First, my age gave me a distinct advantage as to perspective. Feminism as a political force was gaining speed during and after my college years. It rose from the 60's, the bra burners, the yellow Volkswagen vans painted with flowers and reeking with marijuana. It seemed to offer women freedom from the male oppression they had in many cases suffered in the past. It had profound effects on society--a few good but many bad. Personally, I was not one of their followers, not so much because I disagreed with their plan at the time, but because I was repulsed by being a member of any group that socially controlled me--not the social top of the heap (not that they would have wanted me)--not the loners--not the druggies--not the cheerleaders. This was no noble characteristic of mine, it was just the outcome of some factors in my life that I had not chosen but God had providentially placed there. I was born and raised in middle America, with small town values, strong Christian teaching and living, a value for loving and caring all people. My parents taught, they did not indoctrinate. They modeled, they didn't preach. They cared and served others,they didn't feel they deserved to be cared for. They worked long and hard and faithfully and treated each other with the respect you give someone who works equally with you for a common goal.
The Feminists' agenda opposed all of that and sneered at those elements of my life. Being a college student, and prone to stupidity and naivete, their ideas seemed attractive; you don't need men, you should not be forced to bear children, your life must not be given for the sake of others, you have the freedom to control your own body, money, health, and profession. Finally, independence for women was at hand. The social implications and fall-out were huge and immediate, and few were, in my opinion, positive. The assumptions grew that marrying and being faithful was giving in to old domination, that having children should be optional and that abortion was a right, that childcare should be a shared burden, and that it should never intrude on your rights and freedoms. Men and marriage were necessary evils and could be shed at will. In all fairness, women were given new professional freedom in a variety of areas--a benefit we still enjoy, although we are still waiting for equal pay for equal work!
There were shocking effects: the emasculation of a generation of men: a rising divorce rate: a rising abortion rate: the end of breast-feeding for many women: smaller families and broken families. It would be unfair to credit the Feminists for all this, but their radical views appealed to many, and their agenda was accomplished. The original leaders are nearly gone, but those who have taken their places are even more radical and hateful and now have the benefit of the media and the schools to carry out their agenda.
So, what does this have to do with Sarah Palin? She isn't Hillary Clinton. Hillary was the last great hope of the Feminists to achieve the highest politial office in the land. She seemed to be a shoe-in at first. Then came Obama. And even though they each had about 18 million votes, she was "let go" by the Democratic power faction. Then, she was ignored as a VP candidate as well.
Unbelievable! She represented far more than a woman candidate--she was a Feminist candidate. That's why the fact that Palin is a woman who has succeeded as a politician and as a wife and mother and a Christian means nothing to them. In fact, she is anathema to them. I am sorry for Hillary--she got a bum deal. But I am also sorry for Sarah, because she will have to suffer the wrath of many angry women. I am glad that the shake-up has taken place and that the good-old-girls club is powerless, at least for the moment.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Well said. I'm really torn about Palin. I listen to her, and I get goosebumps. She says what I'm thinking. She's no nonsense and a stroke of genius for the McCain campaign. She's his ticket to the White House. Despite everything those in hollywood and the media are trying to do - stepping all over themselves to destroy her, at the same time they're showing their true colors and turning into the anti-feminists they once hated. Ironic. On the downside, I just like mamas to be home with the babies they've created. Because I personally feel sooo called to that, I have trouble relating to those that do not. We're just physically, emotionally, and mentally created for this job - not that we can't do others (and very well, I might add), I just wish ALL her kids were grown. I hate that they'd have to pay a price for our benefit. Perhaps it's just not my concern. I guess if I don't want the government in my business telling me what to do with my kids, maybe I shouldn't be telling them what to do with theirs;)
I have similar feelings about a woman's role in society, but somehow I feel that she might be called to this position "for such a time as this." I felt called to stay home with three little ones as you are. Anyway, I am glad she has the "first dude" to help her; he seems as capable as she does. I can't imagine why anyone would want to run for high public office, considering the public scrutiny and downright
meanness of the media and the opponents.
By the way, I did start the Beth Moore study "Living Beyond Yourself" and am enjoying it very much. Our church has a morning study and an evening study--a total of 225 women!! Awesome!
Post a Comment