Sara Palin Being Used to Divide Women

The talk of Sara Palin has physically made me ill. But not for the reason that you think. You see, I can respect Sara Palin as a professional and accomplished woman. I do find her to be a politican just like all the others. She just doesn't impress me in that regard. For me, she is the bridge to nowhere as far as women are concerned. I realized today, though, that what is making me ill about Sara Palin is that she - as a stock figure - is being used by both sides of the political spectrum to divide women. How can that be a good thing?

Women are all up in arms. Conservative women feel the need to defend her against feministas who question her politics and ultra-conservatives who question her ability to lead because she is a mother (See Dr. Laura's blog). Democrats and liberals are at a loss. We like Sara Palin because of what she has accomplished but...she hasn't really accomplished more than what many many other women have accomplished. I know many many working mothers that I respect and it has nothing to do with the fact that they're mothers. I admire women who are able to balance work and career; I admire women who stay home; I admire women who decide that motherhood is not their vocation. So, I forget, why am I supposed to be impressed with Sara Palin? She's a mother of 6. Great! So are many of the women who blog on Catholic Mothers Online. My mother is mother to seven plus. A close friend of ours who happens to also be state senator of Texas is also mother to seven! So, what is there to be impressed about? Women have been balancing work and family for years...with very little help from politicians thank you very much. I have expressed to several people, women included, that it is not Sara Palin that I don't like; it's her politics. Her stance on the issues. The fact that she lies just like all other politicians lie. So, does Sara Palin win my vote of admiration? Nah. There are many many other women out there who can better claim my respect. And, no, that does not make me a sexist.

Now if I wanted to get more seedy (oh, heck, why not...no one reads this anyway except for my husband)...I think this is what the intent was in choosing Sara Palin all along. I think Sara Palin was chosen to divide the women in this country - to resurge that mythical fight that has supposedly been taking place since the seventies between SAH moms and working mothers. Between conservative women and liberal women. Sad thing is...it seems to be working. I have never seen people get so defensive or so hurt over anyone. I'm off to class...