 Media Credit: Anchorage Daily News Photo courtesy of Anchorage Daily News
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Is America backtracking on years of social progress with its judgments on Sarah Palin's maternity? Liberal activists and conservatives alike have struggled throughout the centuries to obtain equal rights for women. In 1964, the Civil Rights Act was set in place to balance the scales and accommodate women and others who are commonly discriminated against, helping them get their fair chance to thrive in the capitalist system. According to the protective regulations set up in the Civil Rights Act, judging Sarah Palin's occupational credibility by her family life in comparison to "stereotypes of how mothers should act" (www.eeoc.gov) would be considered discriminate and unacceptable. Furthermore, any consideration of her familial responsibilities being factored into her employers' decisions would be crossing the line and grounds for a lawsuit.
It's a tricky situation, though, because the population of the USA does not technically qualify as an "employer", and citizens are protected by the first amendment to make judgments as they please. Yet, we are still responsible for whether or not she gets the job. Should public officials be evaluated by different standards since they are, potentially, leaders of the nation?
Their lives are set on display like celebrities - except, moreso than common celebrities, these people, once elected, will have significant sway over the legislative decisions made within this country. This country (and consequently, the individual lives of its citizens) is affected by the decisions and judgments of elected officials. That said, votes are won by acquiring moral support and establishing an acceptable and agreeable moral character. The role of the presidential team is comparable to that of a role model: voters seek the candidates who will most accurately reflect their sense of morality.
The McCain/Palin campaign uses the word 'family' to appeal to voters and tap into their inner Martyrs; it makes people feel like the campaign is not only going to help them as individuals, but that it will provide an investment in the people that they care about most. There's a strong martyrdom theme in the McCain/Palin campaign: John McCain, with his trials in the Vietnam War; Cindy McCain, who's traveled around the world performing humanitarian service; and now Sarah Palin and her experiences as a mother.
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