Media Round Up: Week of September 27th

Happy Friday! Welcome to our Media Round Up. Each week we’re collecting and sharing our favorite gender + politics stories. Here’s what caught our eye this week:

A woman could never behave that way and be president

Alia E. Dastagir, USA Today

“The stereotypical idea of a woman is kind, gentle, moral and compassionate. But stereotypical notions of leadership – toughness, assertiveness, the ability to “take charge” – are typically associated with men. For women to rise to leadership positions, they must retain their stereotypical femininity while also exhibiting characteristics we associate with men. The problem is that once women start exhibiting those stereotypical male traits, they are seen as less feminine and ultimately less likable.”

You can read the full article here.

Women gain uneven footholds in Congress, state legislatures

Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill

“After 100 years of voting and running for office, women still hold fewer than a quarter of the seats in Congress. They do not fare much better in other offices.” Women make up 29% of state legislatures; 40% of the Democratic seats in Congress; and 10% of the Congressional Republican party. The Hill explores the barriers and opportunities currently facing women getting started running for office.

You can read the full article here.

Who is Amy Coney Barrett, Trump’s nominee to the Supreme Court?

Ian Millhiser, VOX

Donald Trump has selected Judge Amy Coney Barrett as nominee to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away in late September. Ian Millhiser looks at Barrett’s views and record: “Barrett is a staunch Catholic, a favorite of the religious right, and a former law clerk to conservative Justice Antonin Scalia. Her judicial record is fairly thin, owing to the fact that she’s only been a judge for about three years, but that short record suggests she’ll be a reliable conservative if confirmed to the Supreme Court.”

You can read the full article here.

The Only Way to Properly Honor Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Legacy Is By Voting

Senator Amy Klobuchar, Marie Claire

Senator Klobuchar writes about the importance of voting to honor RBG’s legacy. “Ultimately, however, that future won’t be determined by a handful of Republican senators. It will be determined by you: the women of America. Women have the power to change minds on Capitol Hill, and women have the power to decide this election. So, now is the time to take action. Register to vote and make a plan to cast your ballot. Volunteer as poll workers to protect our election integrity. And join Women for Biden to elect a president who will fight for women’s rights.”

You can read the full article here.

Women of color flex political might

Julia Manchester, The Hill

“Women of color are growing their political power in races across the country. At least 266 women of color are running for seats in Congress this year, according to the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University, a new record that eclipses the 179 women of color who ran in 2018.” Julia Manchester explore notable and history-making candidates, as well as party breakdowns and common motivations for running for office.

You can read the full article here.

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