Regarding Elizabeth Edwards

[earthboundmisfit]

From my friend at Museum of the Bourgeois blog, a bit different slant on the "some people" - putting forth the consideration that perhaps "some people" are sexist as well:

"Hide and die.

Such seems to be the message of many to Elizabeth Edwards.

'How dare that skirt continue her political collaboration with her husband, and assist his bid for the White House, now that her cancer has returned? After all, skirts should be barefoot and pregnant, and keep their apple-lovin’, sin-worshippin’ mouths shut.'

From many reports, I deduce that Elizabeth Edwards is a full political partner in her John’s career, probably his closest advisor. Whatever his dream is in running for President, probably a mixture of idealism and ambition, she is partner in that dream.

It’s her life. If she wishes to spend what may be her final years as partner in her husband’s presidential campaign, more power to her.

If I discovered I had x probable years to live, I certainly wouldn’t crawl into a hole and await the Grim Reaper --- I’d put every action I’ve ever believed good into warpdrive.

Patriarchal fascist sexists wish every female/womyn would end as an invalid. Actually, they’d prefer they all begin and middle that way as well.

Go Elizabeth!

Death to sexism! "

http://museumofthebourgeois.blogspot.com/

[havocmom]

1. We all die. Not all of us live. This lovely lady chooses life

and she lives it as an empowering example. Good on 'er! Safe bet she inspires others to be brave, follow their beliefs and do good works in the time given.

Chose life and live it!

[jwirr]

2. I lived at time when cancer was not curable so people always

had to make decisions about what they wanted to do with the rest of their life. Most chose to live life to the fullest. Do the things they had always wanted to do. I think the Elizabeth has done just that. She wants to see her husband as the President. As to the children, there is not reason that they cannot take their children with them as they campaign.

[earthboundmisfit]

3. I haven't read sexism into any criticism of Elizabeth

In any comments or criticism I've seen concerning Elizabeth, I haven't gotten any real smacks of sexism, but I thought this was an interesting slant my friend had on it. He catches a lot of undercurrents that I do not. And it is entirely possible that an unconscious sexism even enters in for "some people".

From a comment on his MoB blog:
"It will be interesting to see what "tough questions" questions Katie Couric asks Tony Snow, should she interview him, in light of his recurrence of cancer. Will her questions begin with "Some people say..." as the majority did in her interview with Elizabeth & John Edwards? Granted, Mr. Snow is not running for president, but he does hold a highly visible and important position relative to the White House... "

[Berry Cool]

4. I've read sexism into it.

Every time anyone assumes that John Edwards is only continuing his campaign for his own selfish reasons, and fails to take into account that it is also his wife's wish and is supported by her as her wish for him to do, I see it as sexism.

Sexism assumes that he, as the husband, is the decision maker for them both, and as the decision maker, he has sole say over whether to quit and devote himself to taking care of her or to keep campaigning. And that if he decides to keep campaigning, it's his decision alone, and not because she also wants him to do so. In other words, that he could do it either with her support or against her will, but ultimately, the choice is his, so her wishes don't count.

That's what I call sexist.