I am no fan of Larry Summers (rather the reverse). However, I don't think it's fair to conclude that Obama is not a "feminist" on the basis of Summers' inclusion among his panel of economic advisers. Barack Obama is operating in a very contentious political landscape, and what he appears to be doing is attempting to ensure that there is as diverse a set of fingerprints on his policies as possible. This strikes me as a very savvy, politically sophisticated approach, and probably necessary, due to the potential for political fallout that accompanies bold actions (given current national conditions demand it). While this doesn't mean that Obama is a feminist (or even feminist-leaning), I don't agree that the nature of his current strategy necessarily indicates he is not.
We'll have a better perspective as his efforts bear fruit, I think. In the mean time, I hope we can all grant him enough political latitude to operate with due consideration, and caution.
unapologeticfeminist
· 1 year ago
I suggest that you read "Feminist Defined" above because you obviously don't understand what a feminist is.
I think that the only way you would agree that Obama is NOT a feminist is if he beat women for fun in public in his spare time. Even then, you would probably argue that we should give Obama the benefit of the doubt and wait to see what the long-term results of the beating will be.
Dr K
· 1 year ago
No, if that's what I seem to be saying then I'm not saying it well, and I suppose I should shut up and go away now. One more, and I'll let it go.
If Hillary had been elected, I am confident she'd be taking the very same approach, and that Larry Summers would appear on her list of economic advisers as well. My point is merely that sometimes an appointment is not an indicator of esteem. I don't want to criticize Obama for things I'd give Hillary a pass on, is all, and if you'd be giving Hillary a pass on this right now, it might be something to think about (not saying you would, just a what-if). I think Hillary learned long ago that a very pragmatic approach would be necessary for her to be able to promote her ideals, and I admire her for what she's been able to accomplish as a result (or in spite of it).
unapologeticfeminist
· 1 year ago
If Hillary had been elected I would be so happy that we finally got a female president that I probably would give her all the latitude in the freaking world. But, then again, I am sure after the high wore off, I would criticize her if she appointed Larry Summers. Incidentally, I don't agree with about 75% of Hillary's ideology, but I am part of a new wave of feminism that puts women first and ideology second. Because of that I voted for Hillary Clinton enthusiastically.
I will be extremely harsh on Obama since he effectively pushed two women (Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin) out of way to get ahead himself. Women are the underrepresented majority in this country and I am sick of it.
Out Wrong
· 1 year ago
@DrK One can conclude that Obama is not a feminist from an almost infinite number of things that he has done, Summers appointment is just one of the more egregious actions he has taken. Why can't women's rights be a part of your "contentious political landscape?" Do you have any idea the number of women in the three branches of Federal government? 17 percent in Congress, 1.8 percent in the Supreme Court and 0 percent in the Executive. These numbers are the most important issue facing the U.S.
I won't grant Obama any political latitude. He works for me, and he is failing miserably.
goesh
· 1 year ago
" I will be extremely harsh on Obama since he effectively pushed two women (Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin) out of way to get ahead himself" - he tacitly endorsed the vicious mysogyny that came their way
Tresni
· 11 months ago
It is wrong to suggest that someone is or is not a feminist based on numbers alone, which you seem to be doing. You also grasp at straws trying to relate Zapatero's pull out of troops to the US' stance on gender equality. It may be true, but you jump to that in half a sentence. Try using a little more logic in your arguments.
cheers
unapologeticfeminist
· 11 months ago
Tresni,
Numbers of women in power is a very good metric of whether or not a country is achieving gender equality. As a Ph.D. scientist, I like working with numbers, statistics, objective measurements. What kind of measurements of feminism do you use? My point about the troops was not to equate it with gender equality, but rather to emphasize what the US considers important. Gender equality obviously in not important to the US, but being friends with countries that help us invade sovereign nations is important.
zooeyibz
· 11 months ago
Yes, yes, yes! I lived in spain for 18 months and was stunned and delighted at the outspoken progressiveness of Zapatero's government. America's attempt to blackball Spain for helping them kill Iraqis simply made the Bush admin look as stupid and petty as it was.
V
· 10 months ago
Great post! Zapatero has also publicly said he is a feminist something Obama hasn't done... still waiting.
All Comments
We'll have a better perspective as his efforts bear fruit, I think. In the mean time, I hope we can all grant him enough political latitude to operate with due consideration, and caution.
I think that the only way you would agree that Obama is NOT a feminist is if he beat women for fun in public in his spare time. Even then, you would probably argue that we should give Obama the benefit of the doubt and wait to see what the long-term results of the beating will be.
If Hillary had been elected, I am confident she'd be taking the very same approach, and that Larry Summers would appear on her list of economic advisers as well. My point is merely that sometimes an appointment is not an indicator of esteem. I don't want to criticize Obama for things I'd give Hillary a pass on, is all, and if you'd be giving Hillary a pass on this right now, it might be something to think about (not saying you would, just a what-if). I think Hillary learned long ago that a very pragmatic approach would be necessary for her to be able to promote her ideals, and I admire her for what she's been able to accomplish as a result (or in spite of it).
I will be extremely harsh on Obama since he effectively pushed two women (Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin) out of way to get ahead himself. Women are the underrepresented majority in this country and I am sick of it.
I won't grant Obama any political latitude. He works for me, and he is failing miserably.
cheers
Numbers of women in power is a very good metric of whether or not a country is achieving gender equality. As a Ph.D. scientist, I like working with numbers, statistics, objective measurements. What kind of measurements of feminism do you use?
My point about the troops was not to equate it with gender equality, but rather to emphasize what the US considers important. Gender equality obviously in not important to the US, but being friends with countries that help us invade sovereign nations is important.