Sarah Palin: Victim of Sexism or Cheerleader In Chief?
Can this Newsweek cover possibly help Sarah Palin sell books or herself as a viable candidate for the presidency in 2012? Unlikely, although as much as I loathe her politics (and her conduct in general) I have to admit her response to the choice of photo for this week’s Newsweek cover is, actually, intelligent. The photo was originally published this past August in Runner’s World magazine, although she looks more like she’s dressed for cheerleading practice, not as someone vying to be leader of the free world. It was reportedly part of a slideshow of photos that accompanied an article about Palin and her love for all things sports and fitness related, titled. “I’m A Runner.” She’s accused Newsweek of being sexist in using the photo out of context. On Facebook this week she wrote:
“The choice of photo for the cover of this week’s Newsweek is unfortunate. When it comes to Sarah Palin, this “news” magazine has relished focusing on the irrelevant rather than the relevant. The Runner’s World magazine one-page profile for which this photo was taken was all about health and fitness — a subject to which I am devoted and which is critically important to this nation. The out-of-context Newsweek approach is sexist and oh-so-expected by now. If anyone can learn anything from it: it shows why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, gender, or color of skin. The media will do anything to draw attention — even if out of context.”
So is Newsweek really being sexist as she charges, or simply opportunistic, in a time where newsstand sales for most publications are dismal and Newsweek in particular has gone through some troubled times in terms of its own sales. It’s certainly sparked outrage among Palin’s conservative supporters. Yahoo News! reported that CBN commentator David Brady called the cover “a new low” for the “biased magazine” and said it has a history of portraying conservative women as “nuts and dopey.” (But what if the woman is nuts and dopey??) Those that reveled in the photo—largely liberals who oppose her—said it shows how far Palin will go to promote herself. (Pom Poms might have pushed the envelope a bit further….) As for my opinion, I think Palin is likely quite pleased with both the attention she will get—after all there is an actual news story that goes with the silly photo—and how good she looks on the cover. And we all know that Sarah spares no expense when it comes to looking good.
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Newsweek is way out of line on this one. They would never show a former male governor and Vice Presidential nominee in this kind of attire. I read an article by the Women’s Media Center (a decidedly progressive organization) and they issued a statement denouncing the cover as sexist. I’m inclined to agree with them.
Note: I’m an Independent and reject notions of partisanship when it comes to gender discrimination.
She dressed, and posed for that photo, correct?
But if she is such a super patriot and love the real America why is she desecrating the flag?
No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.
The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white, and red, always arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used for covering a speaker’s desk, draping the front of the platform, and for decoration in general.
The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
The flag should never be used as a covering for a ceiling.
The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.
The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.
Call her out for her hypocrisy