No Country for Old Women

Whether for her or against her, there is no denying that Clinton faced blatant and shameful sexism throughout her campaign. When the sexist tone in the media reached a fever pitch, the Women's Media Center created a video and posted it on You Tube to illustrate the problem. Entitled "Sexism Sells – But We're Not Buying It", www.womensmediacenter.com) the video is hard to watch, not only because the editing and music are atrocious, but because the blatant sexism is so in your face, that even women who would hesitate to define themselves as feminists, would be appalled.

Conservative political news pundit Tucker Carlson, known for his colourful bow-ties and inane comments on "Crossfire" (he once referred to Canada as the United States' 'retarded cousin') remarked that "when [Clinton] came on TV, he instinctively crossed his legs". Other media commentators felt the need to discuss the tone of her voice, stating that it reminded them of their wives screeching 'to take out the garbage', as if that had anything –anything at all—to do with what that voice had to say.

Despite incredible advances, sexism is still alive and well today. The American Psychological Association (APA) Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls issued a report recently where it confirmed what most of us already know: women are more likely than men to be portrayed in the media in a sexual manner. Women defined solely by their sexuality are no longer a threat; they become one-dimensional and have no place in the halls of power. Their focus, it is implied, is no longer on attaining power, but on attaining a man who has the power.

Many older women, comfortable with who they are and what they can contribute to the world, turn that premise on its head. Older women learn to become immune to society's sexist messages; opinionated, intelligent, forceful females, they enter politics, run companies, become Governor Generals and have no qualms about criticizing the way things are done in the world today. The backlash is inevitable.

Politics is not just about winning. It's also about sending a message and about providing the opportunity for prejudices to be revealed and discussed. Just like Obama's presidential race forced America to deal with the racism that still exists underneath the surface, Clinton's race brought out the underlining sexism and ageism that still permeate a media that should –but still does not-- know any better.