h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I do NOT mean to open up a discussion of the political chaos in my country. I mean it, I will ignore comments relating to who's running, who's winning, why, or the insanity involved. Historical comparisons are also odious, and cannot be made without skirting far too closely to Godwin's Law for comfort. (You may quote Bertolt Brecht if you like.)

But I cannot forebear from sharing this piece of work from 'The Nation' with you. It's by a writer named Rebecca Solnit. I know nothing about her beyond what's on the page, and I don't even usually read this journal. But the essay was so good as a *piece of fiction* that I felt like passing it on. It's called 'If Donald Trump Were a Woman and If Hillary Clinton Were a Man.'

The background to the tale: a short time ago, Mr Trump made baffling statements in public to the effect that Ms Clinton was only playing the 'woman card' (whatever that was supposed to be) and that, if she were a man, she wouldn't get 5% of the vote. His somewhat incoherent comments apparently inspired this clever piece of writing:

http://www.thenation.com/article/if-donald-trump-were-a-woman-and-if-hillary-clinton-were-a-man/

I laughed myself silly. Think about it: it's practically a flash-fiction alternate history tale. Like all good alternate history, it makes us thoughtful.

Oh, how I hope it makes somebody thoughtful...

Remember: I will not reply to a discussion of the election, only your comments about this essay and what it says about gender and politics. (Or the usual instant topic drift, just add water.)

And quotes from Bertolt Brecht, such as:

'Wäre es da nicht doch einfacher, die Regierung löste das Volk auf und wählte ein anderes?' (Wouldn't it be simpler for the government to dissolve the people and elect a new one?)

What, how come this is not a 2legs journal

And as for Bert Brecht:

"Könnte man nicht die Todesstrafe einführen
Beziehungsweise ausführen
Für Leute die se vorschlagen?"
[Wolfgang Neuss]

Good one, Pierce!

Sorry, I forgot to translate:

"Could we not introduce the death penalty
respectively carry it out
for people who suggest it?"

Follows Brecht's thinking - or wouldn't you agree?

Okay, back to the topic at hand: It is very hard to understand, what Trump's politics actually are (they doesn't seem to have neither hand nor foot, as they say in German) but apart from appearing to be blatantly fascist (if not downright racist) they are certainly sexist - but then which group (that hasn't declared him total obedience) has he not spoken badly about?

I was just about to get to the core, but then real life chores (like doing the dishes) got in the way, and they gave me too much time to think, which only lead me to confusion, because this whole election thingy has become so farcical.
So I'm afraid I'll have to leave it to others to discuss whether politicians, the media, voters etc. treat the candidates based upon those candidates' genders.

All I can say is that Trump's hair (or whatever it is) has been commented quite a bit.
But then he's a man in a man's uniform.

Ms Clinton is not - although she has toned down her femininity considerably. Pantsuits.
And why do you think that is?

I had to mull over what you were saying, Pierce. But I *think* I may understand what you meant, though I'm not sure.

Are you saying that Ms Clinton's wardrobe seems to you to indicate that she's trying to look masculine? Actually, by US dress standards, I don't think that's really true.

That is what I mean. Trumps wardrobe doesn't leave much to talk about. He wears the uniform everybody expects him to wear. But Clinton's does - since she can choose from a broad variety of clothing.

"Dress for the job you want" puts a certain spell on women - maybe female politicians in particular.

This is the most eye-catching spell - but there are of course many others. For example, one must in one's rhetorics and every other way make it very clear that one is ready to drop bombs on those the United States don't like.

All this while staying the woman one is.

Men don't have that problem.



PS: I think it's getting better, though. We have very young and very good looking female politicians who are - also! - noted for what they say. Plus we have openly gay politicians who have gained seats in government. I believe that helps too.

Good points, all. That is actually one of the reasons why I wanted to share the essay - because I thought the writer made people more aware of the way potential voters go through this mental checklist, and what that says about unconscious attitudes.

Which we really need to get rid of. Srsly.

I liked the idea of Clinton giving Trump a woman card since he obviously thinks it is so effective.

But I liked the idea of her giving him a man card even better

It reminded me of a scene in the film "Alien" where two 'space marines' are pinned down in a corner, desparately fighting for their life.
The male Hudson asks his female colleague Vasquez: - Hey Vasquez, have you ever been mistaken for a man?
And she answers: - No. Have you?

Good line.