P is for Politics
pol·i·tics
–noun
1. the science or art of political government.
2. The activities or affairs engaged in by a government, politician, or political party.
For most of the letters of this ABC series I picked words that describe what my twenties have been like for me. For the letter P however, I opted for a word that I know very little about. Despite the fact that I was in a 3 year relationship with a guy who works in politics and has aspirations of one day being The President I have yet to inform myself on politics (I know shame on me).
I do have several friends though that have a very strong interest in the political world. I have noticed that their interests in politics has developed increasily as the years have progressed. A few of my friends are starting to find that now that they are separate from their parent’s they don’t necessarily support the same party as what they grew up with. I thought it would be a great idea to find someone who could give us a little insight into what it’s like to find your voice in the political arena in your twenties.
After some research I found Citizen Jane Politics a blog that states it is "The Modern Girls’ Guide to Picking the Leaders of the Free World." After a little email exchange Patricia Murphy, the blog editor agreed to guest write P is for Politics.
I feel the need to disclaim here: the opinion of this guest post is not necessarily the views of GenPink. *Now we may go back to our regularly scheduled programming*
Let’s say somebody wrote a movie about an election between a candidate who could be the first woman president and a candidate who could be the first African American president. In the movie, the two keep trading victories- back and forth, back and forth. Nobody knows who the winner will be, but they’ll eventually run against an almost over-the-hill, almost broke, completely feisty maverick senator with a severe problem with his Republican base.
If you gave all three of those candidates an even shot at winning, nobody would believe that movie, but you would have this year’s presidential contest, a race that is literally too good to be true.
That is the drama that brought me to politics for my first job out of college and is what keeps me coming back time after time. There is nowhere else that seems as relevant, as important or as completely entertaining that the political world. But the longer I’ve spent there, the more I’ve noticed a problem with it. There are too many guys. They’re everywhere.
Men make up 84 percent of the House of Representatives, and 86 percent of the Senate. They dominate the tops of campaigns and are most of the consultants and pollsters. Men write 72 percent of the political blogs and are anywhere from 50 to 90 percent of the guests on Sunday political talk shows.
Does it matter? I think so. In a year when the women’s vote has determined nearly every Democratic primary, when women outnumber men at the polls and when a woman has a shot at the presidency for the first time in history and many women aren’t supporting her, how could a panel of mostly men have all the answers?
To put it in terms that an all-male panel might understand, why put the Yankees pitching staff on a show about summer sports? Is it possible that insights into Roger Federers’ grass game might slip through the cracks during discussions of knuckle balls and sliders?
Having worked on Capitol Hill for nine years, I can tell you men, bless their hearts, dominate the political conversation for a simple reason- they speak up a lot more. They give their opinions. Instead of asking, "Why me?" before writing an op-ed or running for office, they say, "Why not me?"
Looking ahead to 2008, I don’t care who you vote for, but I do hope you’ll vote and that you’ll make an informed decision. I also hope you’ll speak up the next time a political conversation happens around you, or leave a comment on an article you disagree with. I hope that next president is competent, qualified and up for the challenge and that tops that make you look pregnant prove to be a tragic but short-lived phenomenon.
Ladies, the direction of this country is up to somebody–why not us?
March 18th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Elysa,
You should take an interest in politics, simply because it takes an interest in you. At least that’s the way I feel about it. For Citizen Jane, as a guy I have nothing against a women president, but I have a lot against Hillary Clinton.
March 18th, 2008 at 11:27 am
I think you should take an interest!! In fact, I encourage everyone to get involved with at least one election in their lifetime. I actually made a political post not too long ago regarding getting involved with politics: http://circularrepitition.blogspot.com/2008/02/hillary-obama-and-600.html
March 20th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Interesting guest post. When it comes to politics I find myself moderately engaged.
I don’t know how Patricia intended her Hillory comment, but women may not be supporting Hillory because they don’t believe she will make a good president. Race or sex shouldn’t matter.
That said, I agree with Patricia. If someone had an opinion and said nothing, the result is no one’s fault but their own.
March 23rd, 2008 at 6:45 am
Over recent years, my interest (and knowledge) about politics has grown.
As an Australian where it is compulsory to vote, I find it baffling why in countries such as the US record such low voting populations. It’s your one day where you get to have your say. Stop letting other people say it for you. Ever wondered why New Orleans has taken so long to rebuild with very little government aid? Think of who lives there and the numbers of people who actually vote - consequently the Government don’t consider that area as a key priority.
Sometimes I wonder if the bulk of the American population realise that who controls your Government has SO much influence in the world. Sure, you may realise it in relation to ‘direct’ issues such as Iraq etc, however, when your government chooses to do something, it affects my country too. Your troops go to war - so do mine.
But not anymore. Last year we voted out a Government who had 11 years in power. Our new Government will do want we want, not what the US or the rest of the world wants. THAT is the power of democracy, and it is the best thing ever.
I once even floated the idea with some of my friends that we’d love the opportunity to take those votes that you guys don’t use.
Countries would die for democracy. People do die for democracy. If you have it, be grateful. If you have it, use it.