Women in Politics

I really enjoyed the discussion in class about women in politics. One thing that I had a problem with was the discussion of the first lady versus women in politics in general. The required passive, supportive role of the first lady is really too bad. Michelle Obama is a very strong, intelligent woman who could be a very effective politician, but because she is first and foremost the first lady, she is constrained to the role of the mother, dealing with non-controversial issues. Most of the news about Michelle Obama focuses on her style. However, I think that this phenomenon does not apply to women in politics in general, such as women in congress and local politicians. This is not to say that women are still discriminated against in politics; but female officials who are elected do not have quite the same expectations that women be passive, non-decision makers, and fashion focused. The looks and the passivity are not as important as they are with the first lady. But women still are expected to be mothers, to be caring, to be unaggressive, to be caring, to be family focused, even when they make those decisions. Perhaps the conversation about first lady vs. elected officials is different. But I hope that we get to the day when we are having this discussion about the first gentleman.