This week’s Newsweek cover featured Sarah Palin….but not as you would normally expect. Palin is featured in running clothes, with the photo coming from a shoot she did for a story for Runners World. I had actually seen the original Runners World article as an avid runner who subscribes to magazine, but I glossed over it as I wasn’t going to be inspired to run faster or longer by reading about her routine. The cover has sparked a ton of controversy over the past few days as some view it as another attempt to portray her in a sexist matter rather than giving her the respect she deserves.The story was
supposed to coincide with the release of her new book Going Rogue, but Newsweek took an interesting angle and I would argue it was an attempt to sell more magazines for a publication that is most likely struggling like many other news vehicles.
Palin has responded with several interviews and the Facebook response has been overwhelming. Since the page was created on Monday night there have been close to 10,000 comments. Some were encouraging people to cancel their subscription, others posted sexist comments, and additional comments actually enjoyed viewing the former vice presidential candidate in a casual light.
Newsweek has also been responding via media outlets. Managing Editor Daniel Klaidman was on yesterday’s Today Show talking to Matt Lauer about their choice. They also have posted an official statement to their web site:
“Today, NEWSWEEK’s Editor Jon Meacham has responded to critics. “We chose the most interesting image available to us to illustrate the theme of the cover, which is what we always try to do,” Meacham said. “We apply the same test to photographs of any public figure, male or female: does the image convey what we are saying? That is a gender-neutral standard.”
I’m not one to write politically charged blog posts so I refrain from voicing my opinion about Palin and her candidacy, however I will express my disdain for the way women in power are portrayed. They are either like Palin, noted for their good looks or chastised for their “bitchy attitude”.
The media is an interesting beast and we will continue to see how it helps or destroys Palin’s climb up the political ladder.