User:Bellaseiko

Response to Sylvia Bashevkin's Chapter 2 titled Discomfort Zones in her book Women, Power, Politics

Throughout the book "Women, Power, Politics" Bashevkin refers to the equation women plus power equals discomfort which is the basis for argument.

If one were to refer say the media during the 2008 American Elections and the run-off between Democratic candidates Barak Obama and Hilary Clinton to run against Republican candidate John McCain; the media appeared to often comment, and criticize, Hilary for more than her political capabilities. Not to say that Barak Obama was not criticized, but to a different extent. The discussions surrounding Obama appeared to focus more on his leadership styles and capabilities. The media more liked to focus on Hilary's term as the First Lady and her husbands indiscretions,.

Taking women in top corporate positions, but not in the political limelight there has been a decline in these positions held by females,. One must question why, why is this decline taking place when logic today would most likely lead to an increase. Women need to stand up as well, the owness can not be soley on men to eradicate change.

Bashevkin discusses the concept of masculinity and the constraints women are fights against to break free from the traditional view equating femaleness and political power can not co-exist,. It seems that women may be at an even greater disadvantage if their male colleagues view themselves as superior opponents. How can these traditional views be altered in such a way to help women in top corporate positions obtain and maintain higher party positions. Instead of focusing on what a female politician wore to a press conference maybe the press should focus on her objectives like they seem to with male politicians. That is not to say that men are not involved in political scandals and can not be the center of political gossip,. But why are women scrutinized to a higher degree? Bashevkin uses the example of media framing to illustrate how the media guides towards personal matters or styles rather than substance, equality, democracy, and representation,.

1. www.cnn.com 2. Bashevkin, 27 3. Bashevkin, 27 4. Bashevkin, 30 5. Bashevkin, 30