It’s a Changing World – Vote!
Right wing blogger, Warner Todd Huston, in his blog, the Publius’ Forum, commented on the fact that First Lady Michelle was one the list Forbes list of powerful 100 women (see link). He felt that to put her on the world’s list of power woman was a disservice, since was she was not an “elected” official. He felt that her role was nothing more than “traditional” and diminished the list. He further commented on the rest of list of the top 10 list. He took issue with Lady Gaga, Ellen Degeneres, and Beyonce; and, I may understand on why one may not see them as “power women,” but I have to respectively disagree with his perception of power.
I will concede that First Lady Michelle Obama has no “direct power” — but she does have “direct influence” on the perception of women and for the first time the women of color. Just like Laura and Barbra Bush, their “direct influence” resonated with women in terms of their access and connection to women generationally. And, if I recall correctly, in the 2008 election cycle people used Michelle Obama as one of the reason to question the electability of Barack Obama. Often stating, “Not only are you electing Obama but also his wife”. I also took note that he did not mention the other women on the list…
So hear are the top 10 power women,
10 Ellen Degeneres, Entertainer
9 Beyonce Bowles, Entertainer
8 Gail Kelly, CEO of Westpac
7 Lady Gaga, Entertainer, Social Activist
6 Indra Nooyi, CEO of Pepsi
5 Hilliary Clinton, US Secretary of State
4 Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany
3 Oprah Winfrey, Entertainer, Social Activist
2 Irene Rosenfeld, CEO of Kraft foods
1 Michelle Obama, First Lady, Lawyer
Okay, I have to admit when comparing the rest of the list, Degeneres, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga are circumspect in the terms of perception of traditional power. Yet, this is not our “Daddy’s Oldsmobile” either. The editor of Forbes makes her case of how power is perceived through the use of “sphere of influence” with the advent of the internet, with “tweets,” social networks, and cable. (Yes I roll my eyes too, with Twitter and Facebook, but yet most of us in the blogging sphere are using them just about everyday (I am not much a fan of Twitter). However, I was surprised to see how far down the list Sarah Palin #16 and Nancy Pelosi #11.
I may agree with him how one measures power has changed; however, unlike Edmund Burke he cannot bury his face in his hands in the fact that the world is changing much much faster than we both may like (I often step and want to say whoa doggie) with the perception of power and influence shifting along with it.
In many ways, the list is a celebration of diversity there are four women of color in the top 10 list: Michelle Obama, Indra Nooyi, Oprah Winfrey, and Beyonce—and that is powerful for any little girl no matter what their color. And yet, there are women out there that believe women roles should not have a say over their own bodies, see Sarah Palin, Christine O’Donnell, Sharron Angle, and Laura Ingram. But, none of these women would not give back their opportunity for fame, fortune or stay home to be “with” their husbands.
So remember on November 2nd – if you do not want to go in reverse vote NO on Colorado Amendments 60, 61, 62, 63, and Proposition 101. This is not the time reduce our ability to create jobs, and, certainly not the time to restrict the freedom of women and health care professionals. This is not the time to go backwards and to be small because of fear. It is a time for hope and to look forward. Remember, fear makes you small – hope expands one’s world and possibilities.
Comments