Me and Anonymous: A Conversation

Here's a note that came in on my blog from "Anonymous" today, and my response.

Anonymous: I disagree with your assessment of this election. I think you are really diminishing how much of a threat Hillary is to the male power structure in America. I have never seen the media make the kind of brazen, non-stop sexist attacks against anybody like they have against Hillary. She is a Democratic woman who already knows how the Executive Branch works and that makes her more formidable than her opponent. She won't spend months or even years figuring out how to get things done. And imagine the change in this country if 50% of the population woke up.

And you say that it's not Hillary's gender that might keep her from winning this election, it's her lack of preparation. Nobody can say with any certainty how gender affects people at the ballot box, but Iowa and Mississippi have never elected a female to Congress, despite having populations that are approximately 50 per cent female. Pointing this out does not mean that you consider men the enemy.

I would say that Hillary is supremely prepared when it comes to knowledge of the issues. What she lacks is the ability to communicate like a preacher. I say that not to detract from Obama's ability to articulate a vision for the country, but I question his ability to implement that vision, especially in times as hostile as these. And why is Obama described as a progressive and Hillary as a moderate, when they have the same voting record?

And why do you hold Hillary personally responsible for what Gloria Steinem thinks and says? You conflate the two. Should we hold Obama personally responsible for what you think and say? That would be ridiculous.

And I don't understand this attack on Second Wave feminists. Those women revolutionized women's place in America. As Tina Fey would say, they got things done. Why can't people disagree without completely attacking a movement that has improved the lives of American women? What have Third Wave feminists ever done except criticize Gloria Steinem?

You say that Hillary "may be one of the first [women] with power and access to ignore the criticisms of women of color." Who exactly do you mean when you say women of color? Many non-white women are voting for Hillary in record numbers, in part because they want to elect a female president. Many want universal healthcare, something no other candidate has offered.

The only reason feminism is even in the news again is because Hillary is running for President.

Rebecca Walker: Interesting perspective.

A few thoughts: To think that Obama -- a black, biracial man with an Islamic name and a progressive agenda -- isn't more of a threat to the white male power structure than a liberal white woman married to and facilitated by the white male power structure isn't a clear-eyed assessment of what's really going on. We need a movement that can liberate all, but we have got to be honest about the situation as it stands and that would include being honest about who is a threat to whom.

Which 50 per cent of the population are you referring to? I'm pretty sure many of the 50 about whom you are speaking feel they have already "woken up" and decided to vote for Obama. But never mind that, the suggestion that women are monolithic and asleep and need to "wake up" is part of the problem endemic to Second Wave. A lot of women are already awake and the narrative and symbolism of Second Wave that presumes them to be waiting to be awoken by those more enlightened does not speak to them, hence a crisis point in Feminism.

In terms of Steinem and Clinton, if Obama can be on the hook about his affiliation with Rev. Wright, HRC can take the hit AND the incredible boon of her affiliation with Gloria Steinem, whom I would wager has more power in terms of access and resources than Reverend Wright may ever have.

In terms of Tina Fey. Love her work, but isn't 30 Rock a show about a smart white woman who produces a show about a black man who is both an idiot and a buffoon? Has there ever even been a black woman on 30 Rock? The show may be "ironic," but Jesus, with the talent Fey has, you'd hope she'd do better. Let's say a smart white woman started producing a show called the United States of America. You have to wonder what role black men would play in it. Would an intelligent black woman even get a cameo? Maybe we should talk to Lani Guinier.

In terms of what Third Wave the movement has done -- I can't even imagine how much less Feminism would be in the news without it. I know from the thousands of young women who read my book, To Be Real (and the books of other Third Wave leaders), and written me about it, that a whole lot of the fresh blood in women's organizations is there because of Third Wave's contribution.

In terms of Third Wave the organization -- well, it has dispersed thousands of dollars to young women for empowerment projects nationally. Because of the mandate integrated into its by-laws, the women and transgender youth the organization has supported come from every imaginable racial, cultural, sexual orientation, class and point of ability. And this is especially true in the positions of power -- not just the people who receive the monies, but those giving them out represent the inclusive power not seen organically in Second Wave leadership.

If Hillary does win, it will be an important moment in history. What exactly will a white woman forged in 1970's Feminism do on behalf of black families, for instance. Her husband initiated the welfare reform that put many women of color in dire circumstances. The prison system, where a lot of the partners and sons of those women now dwell, grew at an alarming rate under Bill Clinton. I'd also like to ask the women working in the sweatshops at the Mexican-American border how they were impacted by NAFTA -- also signed in by Bill Clinton. I could go on but I think you get my point.

I think we need to start preparing for what happens when one of them wins. The supporters of each candidate will have a tremendous amount of power, and all voters have legitimate concerns and aspirations that deserve addressing. In this instance, we have two brilliant, committed, historically significant candidates. Which will be the best voice for all Americans moving forward? Answering these questions, in my opinion, is a better place to put our energies now.

Comments

[Tata23]

I have no faith in this political system as it stands today. But. What impresses me about Obama and why I think he may actually make a difference if he gets into office is that he addresses white privilege. He talks about the reasons for white, middle class and blue collar finger pointing and blame of non-whites "taking their jobs". And, he addresses the issue of corporate greed, all in the same speech. I really don't see that coming out of the mouth of Clinton. Feminist or no, she does not carry that power threat about her. And, that is the problem that roots itself into the soil of this country from the beginning of European conquest. I do not see Clinton making the same crack in the system. And, all it will take is one good crack. Will Obama be able to, or have the will to, make that difference once he is in office? We shall see.

[SamThornton]

I confess to being completely bamboozled. I keep running across accusations such as that made by Anonymous that "I have never seen the media make the kind of brazen, non-stop sexist attacks against anybody like they have against Hillary."

I must be living with my head in the sand. I can't recall reading or hearing any "brazen, non-stop sexist attacks" against Sen. Clinton by the media. OK, I don't watch Fox, so maybe that explains it.

I'd appreciate anyone who has run across a "brazen, non-stop sexist attack" by the media (except for Fox) against Sen. Clinton providing a link or a reference. Seriously.

[LeeScho]

There is a desperate pleading here by Anonymous that speaks of this sense of entitlement by the Clintons and their supporters. It often turns to the negative, the insulting, here declaring that half the population needs to wake up and support Hillary rather than Barack.

Snidely denigrating Barack's ability to speak like a preacher is an attack on the oral raditions of African-Americans, a tradition born in slave quarters and cultivated in the black religious realm for 200 years when blacks were forbidden to learn how to read and write under penalty of death. It is this kind of insensitivity, however unintended, that has made first and second wave feminism anathema to the majority of black women. But Hillary does not need a black oral tradition to speak effectively, she simply needs the honesty, clarity, and fidelity of a Barbara Jordan and an Ann Richards. That bar may be unfairly to high for anyone, but even if she fell short Hillary might come close to the level of Barbra Streisand or the endorsement of Barack by Oprah Winfrey.

As to the "who can deliver" question, two things: one, Barack, by all accounts, has run a substantially more organized and effective campaign than Hillary, and, two, although Hillary has been in the U.S. Senate twice as long as Barack, they have both delivered the exact same amount of significant legislation. He also delivered substantial legislation in the Illinois Senate, where he arrived years before Hillary arrived in Congress.

[AnninCA]

Interesting piece. Thanks. I've stated before that the term, feminism, has really lost all meaning. Perhaps that actually is the same struggle Obama is facing, too, which is why he also is struggling.

As a woman of the 70s, I quickly saw that "feminism" was doublespeak for "academic." Frankly I was just interested in buying a new refrigerator, I suppose. I can still remember my first "executive bonus." I only this year gave away the stereo that I bought then as a reward for myself. Frankly, Hillary will do for women about what Obama will do for AAs. That's the truth.

They both are just people, flawed and human, and they are not iconoclastic.
And this is good. It means we've moved on, in spite of the pundits, from gross stereotypes.

I have come away from this season of politics admiring our country even more. What's miraculous to me isn't what anyone writes about. It's that these two ground-breaking candidates look like.......

normal ole' politicians. *hooting*

Who would have thunk it? They are just not all that glorious after all. And you know why?

Because we voters........we're so over needing that.

And isn't that really a testement of hope and progress?

Obama's speech isn't the big story. The big story is the voters.

[lbrillante]

I have lost all respect for the Clintons and never believed that they represented my views. I do not believe that Senator Clinton has the capacity to deliver. She has embellished her legislative record and her foreign/national security experience/credentials outrageously. I cannot vote for a person like that even is she is a woman. I have watched the senate for years. She has never done anything impressive. She voted for the war and to allow the president to consider the Iranian national guard as terrorists allowing millitary engagement with Iran. I am actually disgusted by what HIllary has done and how she has run her campaign. I believe she has simply been calculating to attain self serving achievements and in order to remain in integrity with myself as an american and as a woman, I will not vote for her on any ticke.
OBAMA '08

[anghiari]

Does anybody else find the use of the identity "anonymous " wholly ironic and such a startling good fit for a woman who claims to be a Feminist while supporting Hillary. The willingness to obfuscate, manipulate, lie, cheat and whine is the keynote of the girls in Hillary's club. Any of you out there who are not likkered up on the a woman must be president at any cost juice...please check out Henry Bean's letter to Howard , Huffpost 03/24/08

[AnninCA]

What lies? Exaggerating on the bus?

*hahahaha

[roniweb]

I voted for Hillary, but awesome response, Rebecca. While I do think that Hillary is a huge threat, Obama is an equal one at that. Seriously, I love them both for different reasons and have qualms with them for different ones. But yes, there are plenty of young women who are very much awake and voting for Obama. I don't begrudge them that. I have yet to meet a young woman who either hasn't made up her mind or didn't spend a lot of time trying to make up their mind.

[bellecloche]

Very well said, Rebecca. Your defense of the Third Wave feminists was especially poignant to me.

[GoodGuysandBadGuys]

good response to anonymous. hillary a threat to the white male power structure? hardly. hillary has learned how to participate in the white male power structure, she has learned to play the game by their rules which is one reason she is where she is today. she plays the game the way they do which is why she has been accepted into the club. it continues to astonish me how people completely miss the big picture, and still espouse that somehow hillary is on the side of women because she is a woman. sorry, when you look at the voting record and the agenda for the past few decades, it is the continuing agenda of big business, and it really doesn't get any more anti-woman (and anti-human) than that. oh sure, she throws a few bones to the commoners, but all the kings and queens know they have to do that on occasion to keep the serfs from uprising - or in this case, to keep the serfs from supporting someone else who may take their throne.

[AnninCA]

I don't need Hillary as some spokesperson for all women. I need her support for real programs for real people in the real world. I'm convinced beyond a doubt she'd go to the mat for:

Education
Children
Health Care

and I'm convinced that her appointments in the judiciary would NOT throw the balance into a tizzy.

I'm convinced that I no longer need someone to just give a speech. I need to make sure we elect someone who restores FEMA and makes sure that we never see a repeat of Katrina. That we have someone willing to fight for consumer protection. That we see a restoration of fiscal responsbility so that nobody gets to pay their wives salaries off the backs of single mothers raising children.

I'm into solutions, though. Not icons or rhetoric.

I've got my own mentors in life, thank you. I've figured out what women I admire, respect, and emulate. I do not need her to do that. I need someone who can get down into the trenches against the Kennedy types and make sure that American women get a fair shake. That's all. Just a fair shake.

We'll do the rest.

[GoodGuysandBadGuys]

I'm convinced beyond a doubt she'd go to the mat for:

Education
Children
Health Care

--------------------------

and what has convinced you? was it hillary's vote in favor of no child left behind? was it her support of some child seat belt law in ohio? was it the fact that she has received more money from the health care industry than any other candidate? wow that sure is an impressive list of accomplishments that enable to you to be convinced of her competence.

those 3 things you mention - bones for the commoners. there is no evidence that proves she will go to bat for those things (in fact, she abandoned her health care efforts in the 90's - she dropped that ball when it didn't work to her advantage) . however, there is plenty of evidence to prove that she will go to bat for big business. how in the world you can think that this will give women a fair shake is beyond me.

[spacealien]

great articulation reb