Chai's Analysis

In my last post, I said I wanted to run for a political seat. Knowing that that thought is a far fetched idea, I think about it constantly. And why not? One of my childhood heros (before I realized that she may not have been the most ideal person) was Indira Gandhi. All the books I read in fourth grade indicated to me that a woman can lead a nation--even a nation that has held on to stereotypical gender roles. Or has India? India has many female politicians. Yeah, some are corrupt, but who ever said women were pure, angelic beings (unless you are like me!)

This Fall, Geena Davis took the airwaves by storm through a show called "Commander In Chief." I saw Geena on "Good Morning America" and Charlie Gibson (who I adore) asked questions that dealt with gender and politics. Like, "Do you ever see a woman as President? Why do you think it has not happened?" etc, etc. For some reason, it felt weird hearing those questions. Like the show was a fantasy.

And Joel Stein, a reporter to LA Times, writes a great op-ed on this new show.

The network has also taken out newspaper ads with political cartoons suggesting that the notion of a female president is ridiculous. In one, Davis wears a military helmet, high heels and a sash across her chest that reads "Commander in Chief." In another, a bunch of fat cats try to bribe Madame President with flowers, jewelry and a fur coat. I was surprised they didn't have one with Davis at the G-8 summit, squealing: "Can you believe it? Shoes from eight different countries!"

Imagine how offensive this all would be if the premise were: "This fall, a black man will be president."There'd be cartoons of him appointing Lil' Jon the Secretary of Crunkitude and resolving tariff issues with France by giving Jacques Chirac a blunt, teaching him to dance and getting him laid. I think I just figured out how to get a lot of money from UPN.

Gender is never thought of as highly as race. It's just women bitching, being a feminist, a liberal, a freak. Yet, when we discuss race, it is taboo. There is outrage, like William J. Bennet's comment about aborting black babies to reduce crime rates. Yeah, it was a hypothetical and he has a philosophy background, but come on! You think that is how to resolve crime in this country? I get off track.

My point is, why is it impossible to see people of my gender in power? Why are we afraid to think beyond our stupid boxes and gender roles? If other "othodox" countries can do it (i.e., Israel, India, England), then why not the leader of the "free world"? And why don't organizations that support my gender do something about this?

posted by Chai at 8:51 AM | 0 people analyzed.

MINORITY. Let's analyze Bush's statements yesterday.

First off, he said that word so many times. I wonder if anyone counted and then analyzed his past speeches. I would put money on the fact that he said "minority" more times last night than he has in any other speeches.

Second, how many times could he reference the Bible? I respect the Bible but I'm not a Christian. I know more about the Bible than I ever hoped I did, but that is okay with me. Though this country was based on FREEDOM.OF.RELIGION. it doesn't stop some people from prothesilizing about theirs. Even if that person is our president who is supposed to be supporting the Constitution. As this article explains, his speech writer wanted Bush to connect with the African American population and their strong hold on religion.

Third, where are we getting all this money? Does this mean that the tax breaks he gave to his friends and himself is now over? Does this mean that people like me, who make a little over a little are going to get taxed up the whazzoo? Does this mean that the trillion dollar budget we have for our DEFENSE will be cut to pay for this since our defense should have been at NO and the Gulf the day Katrina hit? I mean, how is this all going to happen!??!?!

I want to run for politics. I want to tell it how it is. I'm a straight talker. I am a believer in representing people, in helping people, and not pushing around money. Dude, if I would lose because the lobby group who represents gas withdrew it's support because of a tax I levied on them (since they make MILLIONS PER DAY), I would be fine with that. It's not about ego. Government is about responsibilities, regulations, and respect for the people you represent.

Mr. Bush, I've had enough. The federal government needs to be paying for this. Oh, wait, tell much how much YOU donated to the Red Cross?

posted by Chai at 9:36 AM | 0 people analyzed.

It's the end of the world as we know it. It's the end of the world as we know it. Gosh, a list of bad things that have been happening lately. The return of W, the tsunami, the Iraq war, the million plane crashes, Hurricane Katrina, and now, let's add one more: Chief Justice William Rehnquist's passing away. This is a terrible, terrible thing.

Seriously, it's over. Game over. Not only am I shitting in my pants (literally) right now, but I am losing faith for the first time. Really losing faith. I don't know what to say but curse words. Real f-ing CURSE WORDS.

I know, not much analysis, but I can't even big to fathom what I will think about when the curse words start departing my brain. Till then, may peace be with you.

posted by Chai at 11:57 PM | 0 people analyzed.