Objectification of Women in Politics

The article, “When the Media Compliments a Female Politician's Looks, She Loses the Election,” addresses the common pattern of Americans to critique the appearances of female politicians. President Obama recently apologized for introducing Kalama Harris as “by far, the best-looking attorney general” in the country. The article goes on to explain that when the media focuses on a woman candidate’s appearance, voters are less likely to vote for the female candidate. . According to the article, a study showed that when voters chose between similar candidates, Jane and Dan, the votes were split between the two candidates. However, when Jane’s physical appearance was described, Dan won by a large margin. This is absolutely ridiculous and a huge disadvantage for women politicians.

Whether they are insulting or flattering, comments about the appearance of female politicians are irrelevant and inappropriate. In fact, similar biases have been discovered in elections such as Sarah Palin and Joe Biden. When there is a woman in power and in the public eye, the American media never fails to critique her appearance. Whether it is the extreme sexualization of Sarah Palin, comments on Hillary Clinton, or a compliment from the president, this is absolutely intolerable. New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand recently stated that while she was in the House, a representative told her, “You know, Kirsten, you’re even pretty when you’re fat.” Not only is this disgusting, but the comment about her appearance also degrades and disempowers women. Clearly, politics is not based on your beauty, but rather on your ideas and ability to lead.

I feel very strongly about this topic because the sexualization and belittling of women in politics is preventing worthy women candidates from being elected. Not only do women actually lose votes when their appearance is critiqued, viewers are unable to focus on the messages women want to convey. Overall, the critiquing of women in politics is creating a barrier from equality, and it reinforces the idea that men should hold power and women are just around to be looked at. In order to progress as a society, we need women in positions of power, and powerful women role models for young girls to look up to. The media is currently misrepresenting women politicians and this is an injustice to women.