Boobs in the White House?

The chapters this week were again similar to the previous readings. However, Larson's wording within these chapters seem to show how with time stereotypes change and stay the same.

One of the issues Larson shows this is when she discusses women politicians and their coverage in the media. She says "the media do not take women candidates and politicians seriously as they do men" (Ibook 387). I agree and disagree with Larson on this point, in agreement I can saw this happen during the republican nominations for candidacy in 2008, when Sarah Palin was nominated. The media tried through and through to stage her as a ignorant, weak, stupid, and incompetent to run anything. One specific example they used was through her daughter's pregnancy. Although I socially understand why the media portrayed Palin in this light, I realize that they were denying any positive or constructive coverage for support. On the other hand, they showed the opposing male candidates as smart, intelligent, savors, and competent. This type of coverage is what Larson was discussing throughout the three readings we had today. The reinforced coverage of stereotypes to push the voters to go one way instead of the other. Just like the other minorities in the book that Larson discusses, women have always had been seen negatively when it comes to politics.

If you look at Hillary Clinton's campaign coverage, the media portray her as being too old or as Larson says "cracking under pressure." Yet, because of her relation with Bill Clinton, she was portrayed as being more confident and ultimately was placed in the position of Secretary of State by Obama.

 

Personally, I think it will take the USA another couple of decades to convey complete positive coverage for women and minorities alike. Larson presents the negative coverages of the different minorities, yet minimally talks about women and gender. I wish she was a little more open across the board and wasn't so minimal with her discussions.