As we've learned in this course, what is perceived as the societal norm is actually a complete myth. This misrepresentation is especially apparent when it comes to the faces of the United States government. Though we have been conditioned into thinking it's normal to have the majority of laws and policies written, revised, passed, and enforced by one 'type' of person, this is far from being a representative group for a state, let alone an entire country.
It only makes sense to me that when dealing with issues that involve every citizen we at least make an attempt to speak to the needs of the people. How can you make policies over abortion if you don't have a vagina? How can you determine what 'marriage' is if you've never had your commitment to your partner questioned? How is it that you can determine what an undocumented worker is when you only know that they're great at cleaning your house and mowing your lawn? How can you decide how much college loan rates will be when your family paid for your ivy league education? The list goes on and on; those who are in power have often not had to face the challenges of oppressed groups.
This issue directly pertains to the things we've been discussing during week five. As we've learned it's not uncommon for many people to believe that a woman's place is in the home tending children. And though this number is decreasing, it is not translating well in regards to representation in the government. It is also connected in regards to women's pay. This could also be applied in regards to funding a female candidate for a governmental position. The Women's Campaign Fund has reported that the gap in funding for 2008 US Senate candidates was nearly $14 million dollars, in favor of Al Franken. This was an $8 million dollar difference compared to the 2006 election.
Not only is there a lack of women in government agencies but there is a lack of anyone who is not white, upper middle class, male, and very frequently, Christian.
The problem is screaming in our faces. What can we do to make more progress more quickly?
The Women's Campaign Fund has a great statistical page with further information that can be found at: http://www.wcffoundation.org/pages/research/women-in-politics-statistics.html
I think something we can do to move progress along more quickly is to start encouraging the misrepresented peoples to run for office. However, this solution is not simple at all—because running for office requires money and old-world prestige. But I think encouragement would be good place to start. And I absolutely agree with your statement of “how can you make policies about abortion when you don’t have a vagina.” Our country is represented by a sect which has little to no conception of what it means to be American in all of its shades, save for the fact that their color of American is old, white, rich and male.
ReplyDeleteIt is so true that we need women representatives in the government. It is also true though that we should not just elect them if they are women. I keep talking about it, but there is a cycle of oppression that is absolutely astounding and it begins with the government. They are the highest in lawmakers and they need to work on equality for ALL. Part of the problem is that most of the men in government refuse to believe that we have not been treated equally. They all say (despite statistics) that women are equal now and should stop complaining. This is so completely untrue that it is not even funny. Frustration consumes me.
ReplyDelete-Rachael Belcher