No matter what our political views nurses are advised to notice the reaction of the public and the media to a strong and successful woman. Sophia Nelson tells us that Sarah Palin is the embodiment of modern feminism.1 Nelson credits Palin with achieving the dreams of her own mother's generation who encouraged their daughters to "have it all": an education, a profession, dreams, a successful marriage and family life. Martin2 lists 3 lessons feminists should learn from Palin. First, women are hungry for their strength to be acknowledged, without requiring a sacrifice of their femininity. Martin notes that Palin appeals to women who want to be leaders and exercise intellectual strength while keeping intact traditionally feminine ideals; the essence of feminism is opposition to anything that limits choices based on gender identity and expression. Consequently, supporting feminism requires support of those ideals historically perceived as feminine.
Lesson 2 is that defending women from sexism includes defending ALL women. Perhaps as we advocate for the nursing profession, remembering to defend all nurses is a good suggestion.
The third lesson is the observation that Sarah Palin also reminds feminists that "We have succeeded in so many ways."2 Martin cautions us that the feminist movement is neither completed nor dead. Sarah Palin and, from a different perspective, Hillary Clinton are proof that women are being taken seriously as political candidates. Nelson1 adds that we should celebrate Palin's candidacy and graceful endurance of the incredible scrutiny that came with being the second woman nominated for the vice-presidency of our country
As leaders in a female dominated profession we should not ignore how Sarah Palin was perceived, received, and treated by the public and the media. Leaders in nursing are strong and determined women and men. None of us want our "femininity" or our traditional or conservative values to detract from our leadership in health care. We can learn much regarding, respect, support, tolerance and dignity from the rather unattractive but historically significant experiences of Sarah Palin.
References
1. Nelson, S. July 22, 2009. America's Sarah Palin Dilemma. The Root. Available at http://www.theroot.com/views/americas-sarah-palin-dilemma. Accessed on July 28, 2009. [Context Link]
2. Martin, C. Lessons for feminists from Sarah Palin. The American Prospect. Available at http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=lessons_for_feminists_from_sarah_pal. Accessed on July 28, 2009. [Context Link]
Submitted by: Robin Pattillo, PhD, RN, News Editor at [email protected].