Score another victory for Sen. Barack Obama. The candidacy of the presumptive Democratic nominee has resulted in a very progressive female acknowledging the anti-intellectualism of feminism. I disagree with a lot of her predictable mantra, but her characterization of myopic feminism is correct. From Rebecca Walker comes this commentary (emphasis is mine):
The next woman candidate will have a better shot at the White House because of the tireless efforts of Hillary Rodham Clinton.
But with a Democratic house divided, now is the time for healing, and this can only happen if Hillary’s staunch female supporters let go of the reverse-sexist ideology that women are inherently better, wiser, and more compassionate leaders.
They will have to acknowledge that sometimes the best woman for the job is actually a man — if it’s the right man. Obama’s vote against the war, marriage to his female mentor, outstanding record on reproductive choice and a host of other progressive issues, and his uncanny ability to inspire people all over the world suggest he’s just that.
It is time to turn the page on myopic gender-based Feminism and concede that while patriarchy is real, so is female greed, dishonesty and corruptibility. It’s time to empower the feminisms embodied by millions of women and men who care about everyone, including, but not limited to, women.
