It seems like the mainstream media thinks that Hillary Clinton’s bow out of the race signifies the end of this anomalous moment where gender was–gasp!–relevant. Not so fast Fox, CNN, MSNBC, and all you others…gender is very much still at play.
Barack Obama has been cast as the “feminine” candidate. His leadership style tends towards the collaborative, discussion-based, compassionate, even gentle side of things. Ellen Goodman wrote a great column on just this back in the day. Just as Bill Clinton was dubbed the “first black president,” ol’ Obama may just be “the first female president.”
McCain, on the other hand, is indisputably repping old school masculinity. He’s tough, militaristic, and has a widely-known temper. Just like Bush, he’s trying to be the “big daddy” president, who will keep Americans safe from the evil monsters lurking under the proverbial bed.
Obama challenges traditional notions of masculinity and power; McCain reinforces them. One might argue that Obama can do this because of another gross stereotype–”the angry black man.” Because Americans are conditioned to see him as hyper-masculinized by virtue of his race, he has a little more wriggle room in which to try on the so-called feminine style and still be considered manly. It’s hard to imagine McCain ever being feminized, but we certainly saw that happen with John Kerry last go-round.
It’s still a fascinating time to examine Americans’ perceptions of gender and power, even with our brave lady out of the race.
I’m sorry I don’t share your total affinity for Hill Dog… Bill was the first old white guy who was actually a black guy… Hill was the first woman who was actually a man who was running for prez. Remember the “We would obliderate Iran” comment?…remember the “She has testicular fortitude” comment made by her surrogates.
For strong women leaders I would look to KAthleen Selibus, Barbra Boxer, Nancy Pelosi, Diane Finestien etc. All leaders displaying the power of good Vaginal leadership.
Mcain is Kicking a dead horse with his tough guy image…America needs to be less of a big penis … it really hasn’t been working out for us in the last 60 years… we need more balance…
this video by the dali lama puts it in perspective for me…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R_8-4OmUu4&feature=related
Interesting idea about Obama’s possible wiggle room due to the existing (mostly unconscious) stereotype. As for McCain, though, am I the only person who thinks his accent could be played as a wee bit sissy? He’s no Texan, at least….