Last week Peggy Noonan had an intriguing post in the Wall Street Journal about the success of feminism in the wider world. She pointed to such pioneers and leaders as Golda Meir, first female Prime Minister of Israel (Mother of Israel), Indira Gahndi who was even called "the old witch," and who can forget the Iron Maiden herself, Margaret Thatcher British PM. Of these women she saidGreat women, all different, but great in terms of size, of impact on the world and of struggles overcome. Struggle was not something they read about in a book. They did not use guilt to win election—it comes up zero if you Google “Thatcher” and “You’re just picking on me because I’m a woman.” Instead they used the appeals men used: stronger leadership, better ideas, a superior philosophy.
She proceeds to explain that in contrast to this global interpretation of the feminist movement that the version in America over the past twenty years has become watered down and mired in victimism. The quintessential example being in that of the candidacy of Hillary Clinton. One need not look any further than the Rules and Bylaws meeting today and the Hillary Supporters and Protesters outside who take the notion of victimism beyond the pale.
And this woman is not alone (I'm thinking the Women Count PAC), there are plenty if you just look at YouTube. It makes one wonder about the future of the feminist movement in this post modern world.
Ms. Noonan doesn't offer an alternative, but I will. Gov. Neapolitano of Arizona, Sebelius of Kansas, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and even outside of this nation we can look again to our close ally Israel Tzipi Livini.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
The failure of American Feminism
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