New Moon Musings..It’s Not That Complicated

I love both Hillary and Bernie. I’ve contributed to both. I’ll vote for whoever wins the nomination. What I don’t like is the vitriol between progressives. Now there’s a problem between older and younger feminists. Apparently some of us, yes I’m one of the olds, have indicated to our younger counterparts that somehow they’re foolish if they vote for Bernie. Oh for pity’s sake, no they’re not. I’m a Democratic Socialist who has no problem voting for either candidate, but I’ll vote for Hillary when our primary comes. I’m not doing it because she’s a woman. I’m voting for her because I think she has a better grasp of the issues. I fully support Bernie’s progressive agenda, and I would love to see a Clinton/Sanders ticket.

I understand the need for a truly progressive agenda. The election of President Obama firmly planted that seed. I would dearly love to see a more socialist consciousness awaken amongst us. And maybe we’re ready for that now. If he wins the nomination, Bernie will have my full support. But then I’m one of the olds, so my socialist views are tempered by a little pragmatism, which I’m sure some would call stodginess and a lack of vision.

I read a response to Gloria Steinem’s comments on Bill Maher’s show the other night about younger women voting for Bernie. I guess I didn’t hear what she said even though I was watching the show, being one of the olds can be challenging. I can understand why women might be upset with her comments, but for the author to suggest that older feminists who disagree with them don’t have their backs is a stretch. Maybe some just disagree. We can do that. Our history is a little different and that affects our perspective. And although many of us might take issue with Ms. Steinem’s viewpoint, she shouldn’t be dismissed for her beliefs, even if poorly expressed. It’s a throw the baby out with the bathwater approach that seems unnecessary.

Now it’s not to say that the author doesn’t make some really fair points. In fact, it seems like the author is suggesting that the current mindset of younger women is the effect of all the hard work feminists have put in over the years. And that’s an interesting perspective and one that in some ways I agree with. My kids are in their 30’s and they do see the world differently. They’re more willing to stay out of drama than some of the more ancient among us. So there’s that.

When I talk to younger people it seems as if some historical perspective is missing from their awareness. But then it also seems like there is a willingness to let go of the system, to continue on without it, or perhaps in spite of it. And maybe that courage, that willingness to look beyond what is, to consider the possibility of, is the end result of all the work we did.

Look, everyone has their opinions. We can’t be so sensitive to suggest that anyone who doesn’t vote for a woman is a traitor to women any more than we should suggest that older women don’t have younger women’s backs if said olds disagree with the political choices of said youngs. Surely there are bigger fish to fry here, and the last thing we need to be is enemies.

I think we do a disservice to the whole process by categorizing everyone into older/younger or progressive/not progressive enough. I mean, where does it end? I don’t like this notion that we should vote for a woman for the sake of having a woman president and I would never do so. But Hillary isn’t just any woman. She’s actually qualified. Now, folks may take issue with one thing or another, but they can’t really argue with her experience. Well, they can, and they will, but it makes no sense to me when they do. I’m never sure if the point they’re making is their own or someone else’s.

The trick to respecting the viewpoints of others is to not get upset when it’s something we don’t want to hear. It doesn’t have to result in feelings of abandonment by one party or the other. The other trick is for those expressing said viewpoints to consider choosing less provocative or judgy words. Because whenever we get into an either/or perspective, we lose sight of the bigger picture. For me, that bigger picture leads to voting for Hillary. For others, it means voting for Bernie. I completely understand and support their choice. I just think there’s room for them to understand and support mine.

Blessed Be