And how in the world should we reconcile the above images and the narrative they allude to with this PhotoShopped fake?
And this illustration?
What motivates these mixed messages? Is it naive to assume that different motivations lie behind each of these representations of Palin?
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Staring at the two images of Molly and Sarah Palin shocked me the first time I saw them together. Having owned the doll myself, I never realized the similarities between the two. As I read Sarah Palin, American Girl Doll I began to understand the implicit messages made by the “Palin doll” and the other images. What reverberates throughout these pictures is the fact that popular political images can capture the attention of a voter quicker than words or speeches.
From prim and proper to attractive and wild, the images vividly portray the various traits of Palin. The most obvious trait that is instantaneously noticeable is the fact that Palin is female. In the last two pictures she appears vivacious and a woman some male voters possibly would vote for due to the fact that she is ‘pretty’. Also, Palin’s comparison to Molly is brilliant due to their similarities in patriotism and determination, both of which are desirable traits for the vice presidency.
Various pictures appeal to different varieties of audiences which, I conclude, are furthering McCain and Palin’s campaign.
These varying depictions of Sarah Palin are initially disturbing. As you have hinted, such pictures raise many questions regarding appeal. While Sarah Palin has been catapulted to media-candy status, the reasons for the types of appeals associated with her are those that only relate to her gender. She is a woman who happens to be considered attractive. Is this a fortunate or unfortunate quality? In answering this question, some of the uncertainties behind the motives of the presented depictions can be remedied. However, is there a simple answer to such a question? No. While some may interpret the stereotypical and at times provocative portrayals of Palin as supportive since some may find them as appealing, others may find them to be the opposite. Rather than seeing an attractive and patriotic woman as an idyllic leader, some are bound to interpret her attractiveness and gender as reasons why she is an unsuitable candidate who can not be taken seriously. Ultimately, the variety of her portrayals can only be identified as a testament to her gender. They are neither supportive or opposing, but a congruent and repetitive sign that reads, "Sarah Palin is a woman".
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