![]() In many political cartoons, Hillary Clinton is also depicted as being too determined, ambitious and mean, which then frames her as being unfeminine. In contrast, little was said of John McCain's physique as compared to the many derogatory names Hillary was called and the intense level of criticism she received for her "less than ideal" looks. If Hillary were a male candidate, she would most likely not be under this scrutiny of her body shape. One photo shows Kentucky Fried Chicken with a sign which compares her body parts to fried chicken, criticizing her thighs and breasts. This depiction makes viewers see her in a more negative light because she does fit the ideal feminine body type. Clinton is almost always presented as hideous, ugly, old and fat with large hips and big thighs. The media portray the images of Clinton and Palin very differently in cartoons, as well as through picture editing and other visual representations. There is also the cultural body type ideal which plays into the criticism of Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin. But if they act in ways that are seen as more ‘male’ - like ‘act assertively, focus on work task, display ambition’ - they are seen as ‘too tough’ and ‘unfeminine’ (Belkin, paragraph 4).” In the article, “The Feminine Critique” by Lisa Belkin, she states that Catalyst, an organization that studies women in the workplace, found that “women who act in ways that are consistent with gender stereotypes - defined as focusing ‘on work relationships’ and expressing ‘concern for other people’s perspectives’ - are considered less competent. However, if that same woman in power was to conform to this expected stereotype and adopt more feminine characteristics, she would then be considered weak and inferior to men. When a woman in power does not fit this mold, she is considered unfeminine and scrutinized by the public. “It’s not a level playing field,” he said (Kurz, paragraph 4).įemininity is also a key aspect in political cartoons because of the stereotypical assumption of what it means to be a “woman." Much of America still holds the view that a woman should be passive, tender, caring, motherly and pretty. In ‘Clinton, A Matter of Fair Media’ an article by Howard Kurz, Time’s editor Mark Halperin said Clinton is held to a different standard in every respect. Women are characterized much differently than men, and are also held to a much different standard. Gender is a significant issue in the portrayal of politicians throughout the spectrum of political cartoons. An Opinion Piece by: Natalie Hansen Curtis
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