Through the Looking Glass: Nancy Pelosi’s gender issue
Better late than never for a female speaker of the House?
By Sarah Delia, staff writer
Posted on November 16, 2006

Up until last week, the United States House of Representatives was much like the “boys-only clubs” commonly witnessed throughout elementary school — a group of males teaming together and excluding the female presence and voice. Picture the setting of the House as a kickball field where the guys hog the ball, have problems sharing and would even pick the fat kid to be on their team rather than the girl. It’s only when the teacher steps in and forces the boys to pick members of the opposite sex that change occurs; even then, nothing really changes as the teacher usually leaves five minutes after the fact.

True change happens when a woman who is twice as creditable and capable (as must be in order to prove herself) that the boys look past gender and more so on talent.

This week is much different than the last: Donald Rumsfeld resigned, Democrats now control the House, and their once-minority leader has become the new speaker of the House. Nancy Pelosi is the woman who in 2006, after 230 years of democracy, finally earned the position of speaker of the House in a male-dominated government.

In a country where we pride ourselves of equality, justice and integrity, how is it possible that this is the first in the history of America that a woman is just now holding such a high position in our government? Not even half, but only 22 states have been represented by female senators, and currently only 33 women are serving in the Senate, blindsided by the overwhelming 67 male senators. Out of the 435 representatives that make up the House, 64 of them are women.

As others are jumping up and down celebrating this great stride in history for women and for the United States, I can’t help but exclude myself from the party and feel slightly embarrassed that we’ve taken so long to get so far. America often criticizes foreign countries on their political and social polices, but such countries that we condemn often have come further along socially than we have in the past few decades.

According to the Harvard Gazette, only 36 women have held their country’s highest political office since World War II. Germany’s current Prime Minster is a woman. India has had a woman president. In 1980, Iceland elected Vigdís Finnbogadóttir to be the first female president in the world. Yet until last week, the United States could not count itself among those who elect women into high public office. We still cannot count ourselves as a part of those 36 countries.

Pelosi has the responsibility of not only proving herself worthy in the eyes of the American audience, but is also paving the way for future female and minority leaders. If her quality of leadership is lacking, she not only hurts her reputation, but also the chances of other women being elected for her position or even for the presidency. Pelosi is breaking through social norms, not only for women but for popular rising minorities such as Barack Obama or Condoleezza Rice. A poor job on Pelosi’s part would most likely result in a quick reaction by the American public to re-elect the same predictable white male. Performing well in this job would only open more opportunities to diversify and truly represent as the title of the House is intended to do.

Whether your politics side with Nancy Pelosi’s or not, one must sit back and acknowledge the upward climb the female gender is making. However, if I had a gold star to give to the kickball team of the House, I think I’d rip it up and make them all turn their heads and wait in the corner. A female has finally made it — but should have long ago. This male-dominated democracy of ours better start learning how to share the ball as election times comes closer and Team Clinton is rounding the corner.

Sarah Delia is an English and art history major.