Alleged sexism

It isn't surprising, with our first viable female candidate for the Oval Office, that gender issues have been pushed to the forefront of public discussion. What is a bit surprising, however, is that the scrutiny seems to be spreading.

In the New York Times article "Boys Will Be Boys, Girls Will Be Hounded by the Media," magazines and infotainment programs were accused of unfairly targeting troubled female celebrities. Several magazines responded that their (primarily female) audiences were more interested in women's scandals.

In a blog analyzing coverage of Hillary Clinton, especially the moments that some called demonstrations of passion and others called meltdowns, posters discussed the role women's opinions play. One cited gender-specific insults from female Obama supporters; another claimed that "women everywhere know how she feels" when targeted. A related post predicted that women's rights would lose ground if the alleged gender-related attacks continued.

It is possible that a double-standard exists, though if it does, more substantial probing is needed for the (probably numerous) causes. It is noteworthy that some of the most vocal opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment in the '70s and early '80s came from women. Before we condemn media sexism, we should look at how women see themselves and each other.