ProgressWomen

THANKS TO MSPRESENTATION FOR THIS.  AND YES, IT DOES HURT US WOMEN WHEN WE RUN FOR OFFICE.  JUST TALK ABOUT OUR QUALIFICATIONS AND OUR EXPERTISE, OK?  AND…OH YES, WHAT WE’RE WEARING IS NOT IMPORTANT EITHER.

courtesy of triblocal.com

In the wake of President Barack Obama apologizing to California Attorney General Kamala Harris for complimenting her on her good looks comes this blockbuster finding from a new study: when it comes to a female candidate, any media coverage about her appearance–even positive–hurts her with voters.By Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun Times

That’s a key conclusion of the poll for the Women’s Media Center and She Should Run, to be released Monday in Chicago at the Council on Foundations annual conference at the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan.

The survey’s release is timely because Obama’s remark about Harris is the latest in the long-running struggle of women seeking public office, not to have their looks influence how people assess their credibility.

Obama apologized Friday for saying, during a Thursday fund-raiser for the Democratic National Committee near San Francisco  that Harris is “brilliant,” “dedicated” and “tough.”  What Obama said after that is what got him in trouble: “She also happens to be, by far, the best-looking attorney general.”

The “Name It. Change It” survey, conducted by Celinda Lake of Lake Research and Robert Carpenter of Chesapeake Beach Consulting found that when any media coverage focuses on a female contender’s appearance–positive, negative, or neutral–”it made voters less likely to vote for her.”

Lake said, “Women candidates pay a real price when they are covered in a way that focuses on their appearance. “Even what we thought was benign coverage about how a woman dresses has a negative impact on her vote and whether voters perceive her as in touch, likeable, confident, effective, and qualified.  And, in close races, sexist coverage on top of the attacks that every candidate faces can make the difference between winning and losing.”

Harris through her spokesman shrugged off the Obama comment, an option an incumbent and Obama loyalist–not in an election battle–can easily take.

“When a woman candidate’s looks become part of the election story, she loses ground,” said Julie Burton, President of the Women’s Media Center.

The on-line survey was conducted March 3-7 of 1,500 likely voters, with an oversample of women between the ages of 18-35.

http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2013/04/blockbuster_female_candidates_.html

image via meetusonthestreet.org

For many women, street harassment is a reality of daily life. While some detractors minimize the effects of the harassment these women face – claiming it is “just a joke” or actually a compliment – street harassment is one of many forms of gender violence that makes public spaces unsafe and unwelcome for women.

Next week, women worldwide will unite in local events and actions to speak out against street harassment and reclaim public spaces. Find out if there is an event in your area at Stop Street Harassment, the week’s sponsoring organization: http://www.meetusonthestreet.org/participate/

The organization’s site also provides a list of ways victims of street harassment may choose to respond to their harassers.

by the Stop Street Harrassment Blog

Six suggestions for how to talk to a harasser:

1. Use strong body language. Look the harasser in the eyes; speak in a strong, clear voice. Using your voice, facial expressions, and body language together, without mixed signals, show assertiveness and strength.
2. Project confidence and calm. Even if you do not feel that way, it is important to appear calm, serious, and confident.
3. Do not apologize, make an excuse, or ask a question. You do not need to say sorry for how you feel or what you want. Be firm.
4. You do not need to respond to diversions, questions, threats, blaming, or guilt-tripping. Stay on your own agenda. Stick to your point. Repeat your statement or leave.
5. Do not swear or lose your temper: This type of reaction is the most likely to make the harasser respond with anger and violence.
6. Decide when you’re done. Success is how you define it. If you said what you needed to say and you’re ready to leave, do so.

Read more at Stop Street Harassment…

I’ve decided to stop yelling at the television and walk the walk.   Sunday I’m packing up my car and driving to Cleveland, Ohio for the next 13 days to help turn out Democratic Women Voters.  After the 10 hour drive, I’ll be living with a host family and working with my fabulous friend, Ohio State Sen. Nina Turner (a regular on MSNBC) for the Ohio Obama Presidential Campaign.  I’m excited and can’t wait to hit the ground in THE MOST CRUCIAL battleground state in the country.  Follow my adventure on Facebook and Twitter: StaceyNewman.

St. Louis State Reps. Stacey Newman & Tracy McCreery and Columbia State Rep. Stephen Webber Door Knock for Mary Still for Senate in Columbia Sun. Oct 21.

Will you stop yelling at the Television too the next 13 days?

1.  Keep Claire McCaskill in the U.S. Senate. Seriously,  can you live with Senator Todd Akin???  CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR CLOSEST FIELD OFFICE TO HELP.

2.  Help Re-Elect President Barack Obama in Missouri. CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR OBAMA CLOSEST OBAMA CAMPAIGN OFFICE. 

3.  Two progressive fellow State Reps. running for State Senate who are on fire and CAN boot out GOP incumbents: SCOTT SIFTON FOR STATE SENATE  – St. Louis  and MARY STILL FOR STATE SENATE - Columbia

4.  Find other Progressive Candidates Near You.  CLICK HERE.