Julie Burton and Barbara Lee address “Manning Up” on Politico
Joe Scarborough’s recent opinion column, “Joe Scarborough tells GOP to man up and confront Sarah Palin,” (POLITICO, Nov. 30) recycles the tired sexism of the 2010 election cycle. Scarborough’s premise is nothing new — we heard repeated demands to “man up” this year, coming from Palin herself and also from Sharron Angle to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.). But the concept remains problematic, especially for female candidates.
”Manning up” implies that “manliness” is better than “womanliness,” that “man” is better than “woman,” that strength relies on masculinity. When the phrase is used in politics, it becomes tangibly damaging.
A study conducted by Lake Research Partners reveals that sexism, even in its mildest form, further perpetuates women’s political inequality. “Man up” also implies that maleness is an ideal quality in a candidate — and one that women lack. If men with questionable “manliness” aren’t fit for elected office, how could women be?
Let’s not forget that the U.S. ranks No. 90 in the world in the number of women in our national legislature. Sexist language only contributes to American women’s vast underrepresentation in elected office. Sexism against women and men in the media works against equality and fairness in our political process.
Barbara Lee,
Founder and President
Barbara Lee Family Foundation
Julie Burton
President,
Women’s Media Center
This Letter to the Editor originally appeared here: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1210/46089.html