orichalcum (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
orichalcum) wrote2007-01-12 08:03 pm
orichalcum) wrote2007-01-12 08:03 pm
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The Motherhood Strategy
So, it seems clear to me that the Democrats are embarking on a clear Mother Strategy in terms of their representation and refiguring of their female political leaders. Hillary Clinton has begun using the phrase "as a mother" in her stump speech, Nancy Pelosi pointedly assumed the Speakership surrounded by her horde of grandkids, and Barbara Boxer today got into a spat with Condi Rice when Boxer said, in reference to the war in Iraq, "“You’re not going to pay any particular price, as I understand it, with an immediate family.”
I think this is an interesting and potentially extremely effective ploy, for two reasons.
1. Mothers can be authority figures, even to fairly conservative men. Mothers are competent; they are "managers;" they don't get the anti-feminist rap of being unfeminine. Mothers can kick ass and take names and still have respect as women.
2. As A. pointed out to me, there's a long tradition of associating mothers with anti-war movements, going back to WWI. It's politically and socially acceptable for a mother to be against the war - to not want her children to die - in a way where it isn't for a father, or a single man or woman. Cindy Sheehan is a great example here.
I predict lots and lots of Mom-Leader rhetoric in the next two years.
I think this is an interesting and potentially extremely effective ploy, for two reasons.
1. Mothers can be authority figures, even to fairly conservative men. Mothers are competent; they are "managers;" they don't get the anti-feminist rap of being unfeminine. Mothers can kick ass and take names and still have respect as women.
2. As A. pointed out to me, there's a long tradition of associating mothers with anti-war movements, going back to WWI. It's politically and socially acceptable for a mother to be against the war - to not want her children to die - in a way where it isn't for a father, or a single man or woman. Cindy Sheehan is a great example here.
I predict lots and lots of Mom-Leader rhetoric in the next two years.