Associated Press
The double standard
First off, the most popular opinion shared by most Shine readers by far was, if Palin were a man, she'd be measured very much by a different standard. Reader honey_lovebug commented: "Has it been asked of Obama if he can raise a family while in office? Why should it be asked of her?" And Boss# writes: "I'll say it again, what about the father's place in the family? Why is it just the mom [who] is so important?....How 'bout holding men accountable for their involvement with their families? I think that's just as important if not more so."
And a lot of you were actually outraged by our posts, saying that our questions were downright insulting to women, like reader Encee: "According to these questions a woman needs to be childless, husdbandless, and of course physically unattractive in order to earn our respect as a professional. Oh, my goodness. I'm 51. And in great shape. And I have a 16 year old autistic son I've home-taught since he was 5. And I'm pursuing a career now. So, according to this discussion you are instigating I have no business - perhaps no right as well?- to want to accomplish something in my own right - not just spend the last half of my life living in my husband's shadow? I should just tie on my apron and head back into the kitchen? Are you in your right mind????"
Encee and others who commented similarly, let me assure you; we think it's ridiculous that women and/or moms should have to sacrifice any opportunity in the world. But, as Yahoo!'s site for women, we think it's important to raise some of the questions being discussed by women all over the country right now, and maybe bring attention to just how much more complex being a working woman and mom really is. So, please don't tie on that apron or get in your husband's shadow. You keep being your amazing self!
The Bristol effect
Many of you had comments about the recent news about Palin's teenage daughter's pregnancy, starting with those of you who really put the blame squarely on the Governor. Reader wendy writes: "if she was a true "hockey-mom", wouldn't she have known what her 17 y/o daughter was up to? if she can't keep with that news, how can she be up for the challenge of VP?"
And others don't fault her for simply being a working mom, but more on being a working mom seeking such a big, high-profile job. Whew writes: "What woman in her right mind with 5 children under 18, would think she could possibly take on one of the most stressful jobs in the country without risking the emotional and well being of her family?" Reader mbrjpr55 adds: "She has a family and five children which does enter into this equation whether people want to admit it or not. It is up to her which will suffer - career or family, but something will have to give."
Meanwhile, many more of you are very supportive of Palin as a working mom who's coping with the difficulties of raising a teenager. Reader momztm comments: "Can we honestly judge Gov. Palin for her daughter's actions? What were YOU doing at 17?" And Mimi-pz adds: "The fact that Palin is supporting her daughter despite the microscope says heaps to me. Really shows her family values."
Lastly, a number of you put the blame not on Palin's maternal skills, but instead on her abstinence-only education stance. Springtime says: "Sarah has been a big supporter of the abstinence only program in Alaska. Well, sure looks like that doesn't work in the Palin household."
Will she bring in women?
So now that we have the first Republican female VP pick, we're all wondering how women voters will react to her. Will they embrace her? Be skeptical? For some Shine readers, her pick is definitely suspicious, indicating that McCain's choice is just pandering. Gypsy writes: “McCain's choosing of her is sooo transparent and very crafty."
Meanwhile, other are simply skeptical of our intentions of even asking some of these questions, such as reader Michael D: "The only reason this successful smart woman is not being completely embraced is because she is a conservative. Liberals are all for feminism, aas long as they are liberal feminists. This woman could be positioned to run for resident after McCain and where is the excitement??"
Shine readers, we're absolutely excited that a woman -- especially a working mom -- has climbed to these great heights. And honestly, we'd be asking similar questions of Hillary Clinton if her situation were more like Palin's. But the fact of the matter is, Palin has a very unique set of circumstances that have us torn in all kinds of new ways. That's why we're glad we have all of you here to bounce these ideas and questions off of and learn more about what women in America think.
More Shine readers' posts about Sarah Palin:
