Standing up for Working Mothers… Including Sarah Palin

Last Saturday night, I attended a family function with my very conservative, very Republican extended family.  I often make jokes about how I love them despite this fatal character flaw.  And they often make a similar joke about me.  The truth is, we simply don’t agree on nearly every aspect of politics and on many other issues.  We probably won’t ever agree.  Since they can’t change my mind and I can’t change theirs, politics rarely comes up.

When the election came up during a conversation on the economy, I kept my mouth shut.  I know my family will vote for McCain-Palin.  My family knows I will vote for Obama-Biden.  I’m glad that I live in a Blue State where I worry a little less about my family’s vote.  I kept myself out of the conversation until the only other Liberal in my family made a comment about whether or not Sarah Palin can handle the job with her young family.  I couldn’t stay silent any longer.

Can we stop judging Palin for being a working mother?  Really, the fact that she has children, even young children, has nothing to do with anything.  I know that she herself has brought up her working-mother status in numerous speeches.  I think that being a working mother is nothing to be ashamed of.  I’m glad that she has brought to the surface the juggle that all working parents face each and every day.

Yes, I can relate to Sarah Palin.  We are both working mothers.  She works in the old-boys club of Government.  I work in the old-boys club of Corporate America.  I am glad that a woman is still in this race.  For the first time (historians, please correct me if I am wrong), we have a woman running for an executive office who still has babies and toddlers underfoot.  Being a working mom, I think that is exciting and validating.

I have fought against maternal profiling in the workplace.  I’ve heard story after story of women being passed up on promotions, on high-profile accounts, on assignments that require travel just because they are mothers.  I’ve seen women be perceived as being a slacker or singletons refer to us as “breeders” in the workplace.  I’ve been asked to “talk to my husband” before I book my travel arrangements and grilled on my child-care arrangements.  I’ve had people assume that I don’t want to go to the office party that is after-hours because I’d rather be with my family. 

I am sick of people questioning whether or not she can do the job with a special needs child.  I am sick of people assuming she won’t have any time for her children if she makes it into the White House.

Let Sarah Palin decide what is right for her family.  And let the people of America decide what is best for America.  I obviously won’t be voting for Palin.  My decision is based on the issues and candidate’s the platform.  It has nothing to do with her status as a working mother. 

Original Post for the Silicon Valley Mom's Blog. Robyn Roark is a full-time working mom. During the day, she bosses around men that are old enough to be her father. At home, she gets bossed around by a little boy who refuses to wear pants. She writes at Who's the Boss?

Photo credit: Official Website of Governor Sarah Palin