Sarah Palin -- Inspiration for Girls and Working Moms
Saturday August 30, 2008
I remember as a young girl being so excited when Geraldine Ferraro ran for vice president on the Democratic slate in 1984. Even though she didn’t win, the fact that a woman could be a major party candidate opened my horizons.
It’s been a long time waiting for another woman on a national ticket. But the day has come, with Republican Sen. John McCain’s choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. And not only is she female, she’s a working mom with five children!
I hope that her candidacy will inspire the next generation of young girls to believe they too can achieve anything they dream in America. I’d love to hear what you think!
Photo credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images
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Yes, if your ambition is to ruin your family, then she’s a great inspiration. Personally, I’m hoping my daughters won’t end up as unwed mothers. What, exactly, does she inspire you to do — leave your family to go moose hunting?
I am more than a little diasppointed that you feel as if Sarah Palin is a good role model for today’s young woman, unfortunately she is having trouble being a role model in her own home, I know that the problem she is facing with her teen age daughter is wide spread and prevelant but I just feel as if she is a poor example because she failed to disclose in the beginning, what does that say is he embarassed or was she trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the American public, I guess that questin will be decided by party lines right??
Being a working mom myself, I find there has to be a careful balance between work and home, and when I am forced to make a choice, my children always come first before career. Palin has a 4 month old baby with Downs Syndrome that desparately needs all her attention right now, not to mention a pregnant teenage daughter. She obviously has her priorities mixed up and even seems a bit narcissistic. I mean , why would she agree to run as VP knowing she has almost no experience, knowing that there are many other more qualified women out there to take the position….why?…because she is too focused on herself, her power, and her career. And when your focus is too much on your career than on your children, it’s your children that will pay in the end.
I am so upset about this. I for one cannot “do it all” and am tired of feeling like I should! I do not feel this is a step for women at all. I have an autistic son, and a master’s degree and am forced to either work full-time or not at all.There are very few flexible options or balance for women today. I cannot work full-time and care properly for my son, I just cannot do both. How can Ms. Palin with 5 children??? Am I supposed to live to her standard, knowing in my heart my children must come first?
Maryl,
I am so sorry you feel stretched thin. But don’t feel you have to do it all! It really is pathetic how few flexible options there are for working moms — or anyone else who needs a less than full-time schedule.
Did you read my article on how to find part-time jobs that pay well?
Or about how to negotiate flexible hours? I know it can be hard if you’re the first person in your organization to seek flexibility, but at least you should ask! The worst they can do is say no.
Good luck, and I hope things improve.