I have been receiving a number of thoughtful comments in previous blog entries and I thought I would address one of the subjects that I myself have questioned while watching the political debates - are some of the comments sexist or fair game?
Just like in the workplace, these elections have raised many issues around race, gender, and age bias. The political campaign currently reignites gender-based discussions previously seen between Senators Clinton and Obama, and now between Governor Palin, Obama, and Senator Biden. In an unexpected turn of events, Obama is now confronted with yet another female contender: Sarah Palin, who seems to have more public appeal than Obama, as well as over Senator McCain.
Although gender issues may appear in more subtle ways in Corporate America and organizations, the campaign amplifies what goes on at different levels. Racism, Sexism, and Ageism are realities that exist outside of politics - through the media magnifying glass, however, we can observe them in closer detail. I could go into great detail about each of these areas but, for the sake of discussion, let's just focus on sexism - after all, this is a blog on Alpha Females.
An easy way to determine whether or not we are being sexist is to ask ourselves if we would pose the same question to a candidate of the opposite sex. As a side note, I want to add that the following questions may be considered valid - my point is merely to explore why it is that one candidate is asked questions that are not asked of the other candidate based solely on his or her gender. Here are some examples that I have noted:
1. When asking whether Sarah Palin can be a good leader while simultaneously filling her role (adequately) as a mother could be considered a sexist comment. Would we ask whether Barack Obama is a suitable candidate, given the fact that he has children? Would we ask him if he can perform his job well and not be distracted by his role as a parent?
2. If Palin decided to live in another city away from her family, like in Obama's case, my hunch is people would criticize her as an absent spouse and mother. No questions so far have been asked of Obama regarding his separate living situation.
3. Palin pointing out she fought the "good old boys club" is a sexist comment. If Obama were to comment that he fought the "ultra feminist supporters of Clinton" during the primaries, he would have been called on it.
4. Setting up the difference between Biden and Palin, stating that she is beautiful, is sexist (would you imagine Biden stating that a male contender's difference is that his contender is handsome?).
5. Stating that Palin's daughter may have become pregnant because her mother wasn't around is a sexist comment and has little to do with Palin's ability to lead. It is a reflection of society's expectation of a woman's role.
On the other end, what is fair game?
1. Wondering about someone's experience in terms of time spent at the job is fair game. Take the example of two separate résumés on an employer's desk. As the employer, you will look at the experience of the two candidates vying for a job with you. In most cases, you will judge the experiences that the two candidates present - if you would treat both candidates the same, that is ask both of them what their experience has been, then this is fair game.
2. Comparing the experiences and responsibilities of being legislators versus executives. Obama has every right to question Palin's experience as an executive - this does not mean that Palin's experience is less important than his, it only means that it is a worthy subject for debate.
3. Questions around judgment on balanced ground: same situation, what would one person or the other do?
4. Compare track records. This goes back to the question of experience - if you are an employer looking at two résumés, one of the first things you will do is look at someone's track record.
5. Concrete discussions of plans and strategies. The whole point of the election (theoretically) is to select someone who has the best platform and ideas for improving the country.
Of course, there are many other points to consider. Bias and prejudice will always be a challenge. It's always good to keep an open mind and be ready to think about different perspectives.
Are you aware of your own biases? Do you find yourself thinking of the candidates differently because of their race, gender, or age? Do you consider yourself to be prejudiced?
