Know Your Enemy
Women vs. The System (w/ Dorothy Fortenberry)
Dec 27, 2024
Dorothy Fortenberry, a talented screenwriter known for her work on 'The Handmaid's Tale', joins to discuss the unique challenges women face in political campaigns. She explores how gender shapes perceptions and experiences of female candidates, especially as outsiders in a male-dominated system. The conversation touches on societal dynamics behind the pursuit of pleasure and success, and critiques the normalization of misogyny in politics. Fortenberry's insights highlight the complexities of navigating gender and authority in today's political landscape.
01:07:32
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Quick takeaways
- Female politicians face significant hurdles as outsiders due to societal gender expectations that favor male candidates who break norms.
- Misogyny persists in politics, limiting women's opportunities and framing them within caretaker roles that clash with voter desires for change.
Deep dives
The Role of Gender in Political Identity
The podcast discusses the challenge female politicians face when trying to position themselves as anti-establishment candidates. Dorothy Fortenberry points out that women, like Kamala Harris, struggle to embody the outsider energy often required for successful political campaigns, largely due to societal expectations around gender roles. The historical context shows that while women have made strides in various professional fields, they often adhere to institutional norms that do not resonate with voters looking for candidates who defy traditional roles. This creates a landscape where men, characterized as rebels or outsiders, have a demonstrably easier time gaining support from an electorate hungry for change.
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