There was an interesting editorial in the Erie Times-News today by Kathleen Parker about Hillary Clinton. Now, far be it for me to agree with a conservative columnist, but...on this topic...the woman speaks the truth.
The gist of the editorial is that by American women will not tolerate people attacking Hillary on a personal level. Say what you want about her credentials, call her out on her voting record, criticize her policies, but when you start commenting on her appearance and scrutinizing her haircut and judging how she handled her marriage -- you are in dangerous waters.
" But let men criticize Clinton personally and a funny thing happens. Contaminating the air is a slight whiff of misogyny that women recognize and recoil against. When men speak derogatorily about Clinton's looks, all women feel a little bit wounded. What woman can withstand such scrutiny, after all?"
I, personally, have grown increasingly intolerant of personal criticism of any woman -- whether I like her or not. This includes the rich and famous (Dear God, will they just leave poor Brittany alone), my co-workers, the other moms at school and even women I've never met (like the woman passing me at the grocery store, the woman behind me in line at the post office, etc.
The old saying "If you don't have anything nice to say, then sit next to me" -- does not apply to me.
At a recent event at my daughter's school, I overheard two moms talking trash about another mom and I just wanted to say: "Really? Really? You see fit to criticize another mother who...just like you...is trying to make it through this world and raise good kids and do the right things and find a few minutes of happiness for herself...and you think she's a schmuck because she wears cheap shoes? Please. Hand over your ovaries now...I hereby revoke your right to womanhood."
But, instead, I just ignored it, moved away from them and vowed never to align with them. I hope someday that I'm strong enough to speak up and stand up for other women when other people openly criticize them for superficial things.
I think that we, as women, have a responsibility to support our sisters. And, that starts with not tearing them down because of our own insecurities and jealousy.