"Big Girls Don't Cry" Rebecca Traister
How does Traister define feminism? Would Hillary Clinton count as a feminist according to Traister? Would Sarah Palin?
How are the shifting images of the candidates and their spouses evidence of the performative nature of identity rather than an essentialist conception of identity?
To find the answers to your questions, we can begin by looking at Rebecca Traister's book, "Big Girls Don't Cry: The Election that Changed Everything for American Women." In this book, Traister explores the role of women in the 2008 U.S. Presidential election and addresses various aspects related to feminism and the portrayal of women in politics.
1. How does Traister define feminism?
To understand Traister's definition of feminism, it is essential to analyze her overall perspective in the book. From her observations, Traister argues that women's advancement and empowerment are critical aspects of feminism. She emphasizes the importance of women supporting and advocating for one another, while also addressing the systemic obstacles and biases that women face. Traister's definition of feminism goes beyond individual achievements and focuses on collective progress and social change.
2. Would Hillary Clinton count as a feminist according to Traister?
Based on Traister's analysis of the 2008 election, it can be inferred that she considers Hillary Clinton a feminist. Traister highlights Clinton's resilience, trailblazing efforts, and dedication to breaking the glass ceiling as evidence of her feminist stance. However, it is crucial to note that Traister's perspective may portray Clinton and other candidates differently than others might in different contexts.
3. Would Sarah Palin count as a feminist according to Traister?
Regarding Sarah Palin, Traister presents a more complicated perspective. While acknowledging the significance of Palin's nomination as the Republican Party's vice-presidential candidate, Traister also critiques Palin's beliefs and policies as contradictory to advancing women's rights and gender equality. Consequently, Traister does not explicitly categorize Palin as a feminist, but her analysis may be more nuanced and context-specific.
4. How are the shifting images of the candidates and their spouses evidence of the performative nature of identity rather than an essentialist conception of identity?
Traister explores how the portrayal of the candidates and their spouses during the 2008 election exemplifies the performative nature of identity instead of an essentialist view. She argues that the candidates' image shifts and strategic re-presentation can be seen as attempts to conform to societal expectations and gain acceptance from the electorate. This performative aspect suggests that identity is not fixed or inherent but is shaped and performed based on the context and audience. Traister's analysis highlights how candidates and their spouses adjust their public personas to fit into societal norms and ideals.
It is important to note that these explanations are based on my understanding of the subject matter and may not fully capture all aspects of Traister's perspective. For a more comprehensive understanding, I recommend reading her book directly.