The Appearance of Femininity: A Crock!

Judith Warner, one of my favourite columnists at the New York Times has posted this incredible column today on Times Select. (Needs a subscription)
It's about how Hillary Clinton might lose out on female votes because her appearance of femininity is less than sympathetic. The word Ms. Warner uses to describe the quality she lacks is "schmaltz", it's perfect. She really gets it right, with her oh-so-well done send up of the desired image of women in politics. Seriously, this is one thing that really bothers me: many women in positions of power take flak for being "manly" or aggressive, but if they were charming and feminine they take flak for milking their femininity. Personally, the latter bother me more, more on that later!

Why should Senator Clinton have to coo and cry? She should be judged on her capability and her political skills, which are considerable. I'm not saying she is perfect or should have a free run for President, in fact I cannot vote in American elections and on principle am uncomfortable about participating in public political discussions. This though, is more universal. Why is there this requirement for softness and empathy from female politicians more than male? And when softness and empathy, and tears! good lord tears! come through, the women is seen as a good woman but not good enough to be Commander in Chief. It's ridiculous.