Feminism & Race in 2008

When it comes to the 2008 election, are we as an American culture, more ready to accept a black man or a woman into the Oval Office?

Many countries have had female presidents and prime ministers, so why are Americans so reticent to accept a woman in power? In our "white supremacist patriarchal society," which is more offensive: a woman or a black man? Whether Clinton wants to be labeled one or not, she is a feminist simply for the fact that she is running for office. I know, the F-word. It's scary. Or is it? "Feminism" tends to have a negative connotation of man-hater, but in reality, feminism is about pro-woman. It's about human rights. Clinton has stood up against "the man" (quite literally) and stated that women aren't going to take this abuse anymore. We are not weak victims, we are powerful individuals who can do the same things men can do and we can be treated with respect and earn the same paycheck for the same job. If Clinton were to be elected president, what are men afraid of? What is this insecurity that men have about women in power?

I've heard many people say that Senator Obama is "the right kind of black" to get votes. What the hell does that mean? Oh wait, we live in a "white supremacist patriarchal society." So if Obama's behaviors and actions are like that of a white man, he is likely to get votes.

We are at a crucial moment in American history, and yet I have a feeling that many of us will be sitting at home watching Family Guy on Election Day, in ignorance of what is going on. Not to say that all Republicans should switch their ballots to Democrat just to participate in this landmark election, but those who do vote Democrat should evaluate why they are voting for their candidate in the context of a cultural examination of American society. Voters need to be aware of the cultural influences of their decisions.