Why don't women run for USC president?

Comments

[(friend of) The Miss G_ Project]

RE bk | February 29, 2008 at 09:49 AM:

My perspective as a male: WS will accept anyone who wants to learn. But when I approach different people in the department, I need to let each one know I care.

I care because I was frightened when my eyes were opened to WS type of issues.

Check the Miss G_ Project web site and ask, beg, plead for our Minister of Education to help more of our neighbours learn these issues exist--before they have chosen a major for university applications.

Maybe then our community will be closer to becoming the inclusive one which I know I desire.

[Nicky]

I agree with Kim 100%. Women in Western society do not seem to be nearly as politically active as women in other countries, particularly the East. I think it has very strong gender based reasons; women are still treated inferior to men. Hence "Women Studies" courses. I took a women's study course in college which opened my eyes to the enormous amount of anti-women propaganda that is in the media. Let me ask you, did Oprah have Obama on her show and go through all of Obama's bad hair days, like she did with Clinton? What a farce! As far as men being involved in women's studies, PLEASE get involved, I think it should be a mandatory course until there is no longer a need for it, until women are treated equal in every aspect of society and home life.
I don't know what Western politics are like, this is my first year, but if it's anything like North American politics, then it is sexist. If it's not, then yay for Western.

[bk]

believe me, when it comes western, gender politics and not merit runs the show

[bk]

Um, why aren;t more men in feminist studies departments or in english departments?(My guess: because they are told incessantly that they're not wanted). Funny, I guess the only alleged "barriers" out there are the ones that allegedly "impinge" upon women.

Gimme a break; this is a stupid thing to talk about

[jalo]

Because it's much easier to date the USC president

[http://www.voteusc.ca]

Feeling inspired to help your fellow students?
Nominations are open for Board of Directors position – Vice-President Campus Issues, Vice-President Student Events, Vice-President University Affairs and Vice-President Finance.
Also, applications for Communications Officer are available on Friday, February 22nd and due on Monday, March 10th by 4pm.
Again, check out www.voteusc.ca for all your elections information!

[Zach]

I totally think its odd women do not run. Mainly, because I believe they would sweep, any women would sweep the votes. What are the statistics on women to men ratio at Western? I'm sure like all other professional fields, women dominate the population at our University. I'd say, next election, have one run, she will get my vote.

[Kim]

Cannot understand why. Strange that women in the east have looked upon their sisters in the west for their aspirations for freedom and equality. However more women in the east had/have held high political positions compared to women in Canada and the States. Look at some prime ministers and presidents - Sirimavo Bandaraneike(Sri Lanka), Indira Ghandi (India), Corazon Aquino (Philippines), Megawati Sukarnoputri (Indonesia), Aung San Suu kyi (denied position of Prime Minister, Myanmar by the military) and Nenazir Bhutto (Pakistan).
There were/are women holding prominent political positions in other countries - Golda Meïr (Israel), María Estela Isabel Martínez de Perón (Argentina), Vigdis Finnbogadottir (Iceland), Silvie Kinigi (Burundi), Elisabeth Domitien (Central African Republic) and Margaret Thatcher (UK).

[Amy]

Politics are a funny thing. Sometimes it is a popularity contest, although this is not always the case. The basis of voting decisions are as numerous as the number people who vote. I wonder how many women choose not to run based on a the worry of Western actually being an 'old boys club' vs. the number who simply are not interested. If someone has a problem with the 'old boys club' then they should take action as opposed to simply stating that they see things this way. Sometimes the 'old boys' are just people trying to do what they think is best. If you have a different opinion, be strong, state it, do something.

[Nicky]

There are many factors that prevent or dissuade women from running for president and getting into the spotlight, especially when it comes to politics. Lets face it, how many women have been PM or President? There are still stereotypical ideas that women are mentally inferior to men when it comes to politics and that they really don't understand how to deal with important issues of the world and take on politcial issues traditionally dominated by men. There is also the misconception that women only care about trivial issues, like fashion and celebrities, or TV shows. Also, the environment at a school plays a huge role as to whether or not women feel comfortable running for president: How are the other students going to react? Will I be received as an equal candidate? Will my success/failure be based on looks instead of competence? Also, what is the political environment like at Western, is it a "boys club only" where women aren't welcome? There are many reasons that women do not get involved in school politics, stemming from a hostile male dominated environment to to the lack of support from thier peers. I do not believe women (or men necessarily) work "better behind the scenes", as some women have stated, they may as well have said women do better behind a counter in the kitchen! Women need to be heard, seen, and above all respected!!

[MR. G]

They will never win, thats why

[Kelly]

I would never run b/c it seems to be such a popularity contest, and well, women have better things to do with their time