Vote Maggie

As an introduction to this post, I'd like to tell you a little about my 16-year-old sister, Maggie. First off, she's awesome. Her aspirations are somewhat inspiring; her "life plan" is to earn a PhD in history, become a tenured professor, be elected President for two terms and then serve as Secretary-General of the United Nations. Quite impressive, no?

Maggie is also hilariously entertaining, so of course I laughed this morning when she made this observation: 

Presidents are always old... They should lower the age so I can be President while I'm still young and hot. It's harder to be sexy when you're forty. My goal in life is to be a sexy political figure.

But then I started thinking about it. Why should that be so funny to me? Why shouldn't she be a "sexy political figure"? Here comes the Equality Train, and my sister has volunteered as the engineer.



The United States has something of a trend toward old, male politicians. The "old" part may be somewhat inevitable given the age restrictions on many higher offices - such as that of the President - but even when women are successful in politics, they tend to present themselves as slightly masculinized in order to command more respect and be seen as more powerful and influential. This is a pretty awful thing happening to the people of our country.

Yes, it makes sense that a masculine image would be seen as more "powerful" given our traditionally patriarchal society, but it doesn't have to be that way. There are so many influential non-male, non-masculine individuals out there in the US! I know it's unlikely that we as a society will start recognizing  that incredible power any time soon (especially given the current attitude toward the LGBTQQA community), but I believe that it is terribly necessary for our future as an equal and tolerant nation.

Young girls and women who aspire to political careers shouldn't feel that they must masculinize themselves in order to command respect. Gay men shouldn't fear the response (and sometimes retaliation) should they try to run for public office. Feminine cis women shouldn't be sexualized and ridiculed for trying to attain political power. Trans* people shouldn't be criticized for not embracing their original sex or assigned gender. Really, sex and gender and presentation shouldn't have to come into it at all. Shouldn't our political leaders be chosen based on their competence, intelligence, and the relevance of their proposed policies and not how much they look and act like a traditional leader? My sister should be able to become a sexy female president who is praised for her intelligence rather than torn down for trying to be an attractive woman in power. And if you think women aren't inherently powerful, why do you trust your children to them?

Everyone should have equal access to public office, regardless of race, sex, gender, orientation, presentation, or background. A white cis male should be no more likely to win an election than a trans* or genderfluid non-white person. Ideally, we as a country and a nation would look up to whoever is the best leader and will make the most of our potential.

Come on, America. It'll take a while, but I think we can do it. Vote Sexy Maggie 2032, and vote for equality now.