I am writing this on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Today, with the repercussions of the insurrection on the capital looming over us, I am horrified at the discourse that both political parties have participated in. As I am sitting here listening to the representatives’ testimonies from both our democratic and republican leaders, I fear for how women in politics are treated. Additionally, I wonder if my perspectives will be respected as I look forward to a career in health policy.
To begin, there are issues with the celebritization of our policy makers. For example, representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has had many slanderous comments made towards her not only by the general public, but also by her peers. Her views can be debated on their merits, but utilizing cowardice gender-based rhetoric clearly shows that all odds are against her.
When looking at the commentary on representative Ocasio-Cortez, I find it interesting to also review the hateful comments that have been directed towards representative Liz Cheney out of Wyoming. Cheney is the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, which makes her recent stance even more powerful. Representative Cheney is deciding to pursue impeachment charges towards former president Donald Trump.
Like representative Ocasio-Cortez, representative Cheney has every right to voice her opinion of what she believes is best for her constituents. However, she is facing the same backlash from her male colleagues. Many of her colleagues are calling for her removal from office, yet they still chose to defend the former president, who has been accused of starting riots that lead to the deaths of five people.
In an article entitled “The Objectification of Women in Politics and Why it Matters” by Claire Gothreau for the Rutgers Center for American Women and Politics, similar themes are explored. Gothreau highlights how Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been demeaned and sexualized by her peers as well.
The sexualization of women in politics is very bipartisan. During Sarah Palin’s vice presidential campaign, she was considered a “sex symbol” by Time Magazine (Gothreau). There was a complete disregard for her policies and procedures during these times, as most Americans perceived her charm instead. This is clearly very different to how men are treated by the public.
While listening to the representatives’ speeches today, I would like to personally celebrate my district’s representative: Chrissy Houlahan. Houlahan stated that “Last evening an 11-year-old girl joined our telephone town hall. Her question shook me to my core. She was worried about the future of this great nation, and I am too.”
Hearing Houlahan say this today surprised me because this eleven year old is a part of my own community. It was reassuring that Houlahan was able to bring forth great awareness for her constituents’ needs and balance womanhood while remaining under criticism.
Seeing how women in politics are treated is extremely disheartening. The objectification of women is something that has been around for centuries and is likely going to continue. Objectification has been protested in the Women’s March, in female politicians speaking up regarding the hate they have received, and within the #MeToo movement. I hope that parents can educate their children to debate the merits of others’ arguments, rather than launch hateful attacks on other people; especially women.