By Erin Kirsten Stein
Arizona Daily Wildcat
October 9, 1997

Women and Politics?

Arizona Daily Wildcat Erin Kirsten Stein

A friend of mine told me a story.

She was discussing politics with a male friend of hers and he made a comment to her how amazing it was that he could talk to her about these issues. He claimed she was the only female he had met who was interested in politics at all. He had assumed she wouldn't be interested in the discussion because she was a girl.

The message was, "girls just don't get it."

Excuse me? Who said women weren't interested in politics?

It's true, generally, that you don't pass two girls on the Mall discussing abortion or the health-care system. They are usually complimenting each other's nail polish or commiserating over classes. Or, ohmigod! Did you SEE that cute guy?!

Female conversation is generally an intricate bonding experience that is difficult to fathom at times, but it is mostly superficial. Girls don't shout out their support for improved education as they pass each other in the Student Union. In-depth conversations are saved for times when both parties can sit down and have time for more serious talk.

If you asked a woman on the street to consider an issue and express an opinion - and you gave her time to think on it, I hate interviewers who expect you to carry around a list of your political view - most likely she would have strong thoughts on the subject.

Warning: Here come the gross generalizations!

Perhaps, on the surface, women don't seem as interested in politics because the vast majority of politicians are male.

Perhaps, it is because political decisions don't appear to affect them.

But, I'm willing to bet, for every guy interested in politics there is a female equally intrigued. Abortion is essentially a female issue; how can one not have an opinion about one's body?

If you look deeper than the politicians you will find highly-paid women running their campaigns and writing their speeches. Politics are not as cut-and-dried for many women as they seem to be for men (and this is one of my gross generalizations). Men seem eager to jump on a bandwagon and declare themselves firmly supportive of a political party 100 percent.

I refuse to attach myself to a political party. I prefer to judge each candidate as they are presented and then decide who I think is best. The parties' platforms cross over each other so much, how can you follow one wholeheartedly? I prefer to select candidates rather than parties.

I find this true among many of my female friends. Now, I admit, I do not follow our government's proceedings closely. I do not read Time magazine every week or watch the daily news. (Although, I do read the paper now, but that's because I'm studying journalism!)

This does not mean I am not interested in politics. The simple fact is I choose not to spend my time actively pursuing it. I'm not the most productive member of our democracy, but I do have opinions and I stand up for them when necessary. I try to listen to all viewpoints and not judge with gut reactions.

If someone says they are firmly against abortion, I don't immediately dismiss them as fanatical freaks. I instead try to understand why they think abortions are wrong. Politics today is about setting inflexible standards, rather than recognizing exceptions and all viewpoints.

When someone asks your political opinion they generally are seeking a for or against answer; all or none. Many women choose gray areas.

Perhaps, it is feminine to seem unable to reach an ultimatum, but I don't think so. I think it is wise.

I think the next jerk who claims women are oblivious to politics ought to be given an abortion.

Erin Kirsten Stein is a senior majoring in creative writing, journalism and general fine arts studies.