This week’s Appreciations are political in flavor.
I usually tread very lightly in the political realm in public. That isn’t about to change, but over the past two weeks I’ve read pieces that have moved me to think about politics in new ways. The four authors whose pieces I’m about to share with you have strongly argued their points in such a way that they stoked a fire within me; indeed, it’s my hope in sharing them that they may spark something within you, too. For this election season, they are must-reads.
These are super-charged pieces I’ve read from authors who, despite repercussions and the hate mail and/or comments they have and will receive, have stepped up and eloquently argued their points. Here are four of the most important stories I’ve read over the past two weeks. They are about politics, for sure. And they are also about gender equality. I will vote this year to show the world that some Americans not only want to see change but believe it starts within.
“In terms of redefining the persona for female authority and leadership, Palin has made the biggest step forward in feminism since Madonna channeled the dominatrix persona of high-glam Marlene Dietrich and rammed pro-sex, pro-beauty feminism down the throats of the prissy, victim-mongering, philistine feminist establishment.” (…read the rest of “Fresh Blood for the Vampire”)
“To my readers who do not live in America, who are not American, please know that there are so many of us here who are disgusted with what we have let happen in the last eight years and are doing everything we can to ensure that it stops. We are just as scared as you are of those around us who have their fingers in their ears and are going LA LA LA LA LA in an attempt to convince themselves that their behavior and their policies are not in direct violation of the teachings of the God they think put them in power.” (…read the rest of “…and Boom”)
Gloria Steinem, LA Times
“Being a hope-a-holic, however, I can see two long-term bipartisan gains from this contest.” (…read the rest of “Palin: Wrong Woman, Wrong Message”)
“This isn’t about Palin. It’s not about whether or not you agree with her, quite honestly, I don’t give a damn because it’s entirely irrelevant. This is about women.” (…read the rest of “What the Hell is Happening to Feminism?”)
I appreciate Paglia, Armstrong, Steinem and Loesch for their authenticity in writing. I appreciate their ferocity and willingness to show us how compelling the written word can be in the political sphere.
These are remarkable women whose pieces have impacted me deeply. May you be similarly inspired.
(Read more about the Appreciation Project.)
