Sarah Palin – What Does The Controversy Say About Women Today?

Pundits are working the speaking circuit, offering their views on Sarah Palin. These notes came across my desk from RTIR, a service that offers guests to radio hosts.  Do you agree with either of these speakers’ views of Ms. Palin?

“Palin – Good Example and Horrible Warning?

Sarah Palin has been thrust into the media spotlight again with the release of her new book, “Going Rogue.” BJ Gallagher says whether you love her or hate her, you can learn something from her. “Palin’s story is quintessentially American … a self-made woman from humble background, filled with ambition, ready to take on the world and shake up politics as usual – and looking good while doing it! She shakes things up, generates lots of heat, and gets people’s attention. BUT, she is also a loose cannon – unpredictable, erratic, quick on the trigger to fire at anyone who doesn’t agree with her. Her book is classic Palin … schoolgirl whining and complaining about how rough the big boys play, pouting about her unfair portrayal in
the media, and revealing an incredible level of emotional immaturity.”

OR

“Palin as Feminist

According to conservative political commentator S.E. Cupp, Sarah Palin could be a feminist icon for the 21st century. “In December 2008, Gallup’s annual Most Admired Woman poll put Hillary Clinton on top of the list. Sarah Palin was next, ahead of Oprah Winfrey. So
who is the feminist icon, Clinton or Palin? Such ambiguities crystallize the struggle for women.” Cupp says many women today consider the word feminist today a dirty word. She says, as the debate over modern feminism continues, today’s women have to decide if the women’s movement belongs in the past, present or future. And quite possibly, Palin may emerge as a role model for a new type of feminist.”

Which is it? Or none of the above? Many women today admire and applaud Palin for her willingness to stir controversy. Do you consider feminism to be a “dirty word?”