As a loyal reader throughout my duration at Ohio University, I have never felt as repulsed by an article as I was while reading Steph Doan’s piece, “Sexy nominees make vote tough.” I’ll admit, I am fairly familiar with the “BedPost” column and usually read each week’s edition purely for its shock and entertainment value. I have never considered the “wisdom” Doan provides to seemingly desperate souls (Are they even real people?) on sex and relationships as valuable advice by any means.
I get it; the columnist is attempting — and failing — at imitating the Carrie Bradshaw I’m-a-woman-who-has-a-right-to-express-my-sexuality-so-I-need-to-scream-about-it persona. Usually, I can swallow my opposition to the solutions Doan offers each week, but I could not suppress my irritation over the blatant sexism and superficiality throughout Tuesday’s article.
Addressing the “women of America,” Doan took what should be considered a critical election in our nation’s history and transformed it into yet another jab at the legitimacy of women’s opinions in the political sphere. As if we don’t already have enough forces — the media, historical stereotypes, even politicians — depreciating the voices of women, Doan proclaims what she believes women should really be paying attention to when it comes to their votes. Which candidate emits the greatest amount of “political sex?” She supports her view that women should completely disregard the candidates’ plans for the country’s future (It doesn’t make a difference either way, right?) and simply compare which forerunner has the tighter butt or sexiest smile.
Doan might have been trying to make light of a heavy campaigning season, or perhaps she truly does base her political support on physical appearance and appears to have a thing for 40- to 50-year-old married men. However, this is not the consensus of the majority of American women and should not be perceived as having an ounce of truth. Women, especially young women pursuing their higher education, should not stifle or water down their political presence. I do agree with the column’s message to vote, but make sure it is for the most qualified leader and not for who will look hottest sitting in the Oval Office.
Kellie Rizer is a junior studying magazine journalism at Ohio University.
