Naomi Warren Says Sarah "Pales In" Comparison

Written by Naomi Warren
Today, Republican presidential candidate John McCain chose Sarah Palin to be his vice-presidential nominee. In her acceptance speech, Palin referenced the accomplishments of Geraldine Ferraro and Hillary Clinton, specifically noting the “18 million cracks” Hillary put in the glass ceiling. She then proclaimed that if John McCain wins the presidency and she becomes Vice-President, the glass ceiling will be shattered once and for all.

But is that true? Perhaps Palin is not being disingenuous, but at a minimum such a statement is socially irresponsible. It implies that sexism is a thing of a past. This surely cannot be so, as commentators almost immediately used adjectives such as “pretty” and “vivacious” to describe her. Sexism is a belief in male dominance that keeps women subordinate to men. As I see it, Palin would still be in an executive role behind a man.

This is not to say that the glass ceiling would be shattered even if a woman were elected president. Nor would the election of Barack Obama mean that our society is free of racism. As long as women in all workplaces are treated as less than equal to men and people of all colors are viewed as inferior to white people, such ceilings will continue to exist – even if they are cracked.

I have long supported Hillary Clinton. She is a graduate of my alma mater, Wellesley College, and has made significant strides toward the advancement of women. Yet my support for Barack Obama will not waver. He is a unifier for the right reasons. NPR commentators today likened McCain’s move in picking Palin as akin to saying, “Come all ye Hillary supporters... join the Republicans this time around.” I hope McCain realizes that women are not monolithic, nor so simple-minded.

Naomi Warren is a recent graduate of Washington University in St. Louis. She lives in St. Louis city.