Bhutto One Giant Leap for Women

Many claimed Benazir Bhutto was the lesser of two evils. And regardless of her stance on issues or her party’s past dealings, Bhutto was well loved in Pakistan, as the world can tell from the fiery backlash occurring from her December assassination.
As news stations show streets full of mourners, it is amazing to see that it is mainly men who are the most distraught over her death. How come a woman politician garnered more respect in an Islamic republic than any woman can achieve in North America?
North America is awash with passive sexism. It is blatant our television programs and in our parliament. If a woman shows strength in the West, she is either a bitch or a lesbian. Or ambitious.
Take the treatment of Belinda Stronach. As a good-looking female in an old and ugly male-dominated role, she was scrutinized by the media and members of parliament on everything from her wardrobe to her personal relationships. When ex-party member and boyfriend Peter MacKay may or may not have called her a dog in Canada’s house of legislature, and former premier of Alberta Ralph Klein made a dirty reference about her in a speech, the instances were laughed off and treated as nothing more than jokes. But when Liberal leader Stephane Dion suggested Stephen Harper get some exercise, the Conservatives were in an uproar.
Helena Guergis, a junior minister for the Tories, said “real leaders ... do not go around making fun of other people's weight.” But what about the litany of personal disrespect the Conservatives threw at Stronach when she left their party?
Politics are not the only areas slated for chauvinism. A quick flip through international and local news reports show gender bias alive and well throughout North America. Most six p.m. broadcasters are men. But not just men, but old men, and usually overweight and unattractive. Besides Barbara Walters, it is rare to see a woman past fifty years old (without ten pounds of injected botox on her face) in the big seat.
Global BC offers a prime example of televised sexism. After faithfully remaining with the station for years, Deborra Hope was passed over for the 6 p.m. anchor position for newcomer Chris Gailus. And you won’t see a single sagging female face in the Global cast—but plenty of overweight, aging men.
Hillary Clinton is a lesbian. Meg Griffin is a loser. Britney Spears is a whore. We are still a long way off from seeing women in positions of real power in the West.
Rest in peace, Bhutto, for showing the world a woman can make a difference.