Why is the race/gender of a presidential candidate such a big deal?

Question

Many countries have had women or visible minorities as leaders, including Britian, Israel, Pakistan, India, Canada and South Africa why is this such a big deal in the US and an issue.

Visible Minority

Visible minorities are persons who are not of the majority race in a given population.

Visible Minority

Visible minorities are persons who are not of the majority race in a given population.

Answer 1

It isn't to me. Could you explain what a "visible minority" is though?
Perhaps I'm wrong, but there are countries, especially in S. America, with large black populations. Can you name one S. American country, other than the predominately black Caribbean countries, that has a black head of state? Any in Europe, or Asia.
I know we have a problem with racism in this country, I'm not trying to imply that we don't, but perhaps if we stop being so hard on each other, tensions would ease and more progress could be made. Just a thought.

Answer 2

It's just that having people who were so unprivileged in America's society a hundred years ago becoming a president is an important *idea*. It's just such a big change. To think, a century ago White women and African Americans couldn't vote and had little respect compared to the dominant White American man. If a woman or black person today became a president, it just *represents* how far society's progressed and how we're theoretically socially equal. That's why people thought it was a win-win situation back in 2008 when Hilary Clinton ran against Barack Obama for presidency.

However, whether the elected president actually fills his/her role in working toward benefitting the people of America is a different story.

Answer 3

It doesn't matter. The irony of the whole race issue is that it was first raised by the Clinton campaign against Obama, then Obama himself raised it on numerous occasions in an attempt to depict the McCain campaign as racist. But the truth is, McCain's campaign has been race-neutral. The only group talking about race are the Democratic candidates.

Answer 4

I don't feel that it is a big deal, but many countries still look down on women and are very sexist so i don't think that the women presidents will be as respected through out the world. But in our own country i think that any race or sex could lead our country just as long as they have the right mind set.

Answer 5

The US never had a woman as President and it is the reason why gender is a big deal in the current Presidential choices for 2008. Race had also been very critical for this election because it is also the first time that a Black is being considered for President. The reason is that it is because it is the first time for US to have either a woman or a Black as President.

Answer 6

http://www.filibustercartoons.com/charts_rest_female-leaders.php

http://www.guide2womenleaders.com/women_state_leaders.htm
This site is awesome.

http://womenshistory.about.com/od/rulers20thcentury/Women_Rulers_of_the_20th_Century.htm
Tons of links here

http://africanhistory.about.com/od/liberia/p/Sirleaf.htm
Awesome woman!

You are so right to point this out. Thank you.

I use this discussion when people say Muslim women are all oppressed. On those lists are many Muslim woman. It is just as it is. Only in America is it a big thing. Yet America has always touted itself as being the place where women have a chance.

Thing is you need the right woman to make an impact on the world stage. Hillary is not the person you want. You go by abilities, not gender. She is heartless enough but too shrill and crude. No class. But then how much class do you need to be President?

Answer 7

Because the United States has NEVER had a woman or a person of color as president before. Personally, I don't care what gender or race the president is. I'm more concerned about character, integrity, issues, and morals.

Answer 8

You can first thank the LIBERAL Media. We live in a society of tabloid trash, and 75% of Americans believe it. I want the right person for the job. But the choices we have, Hillary Clinton and Obama wont cut it! They are nothing more than politicians making speeches on what they think you want to hear. You get a guy or gal that will stop with the double talk and lay out an extensive in depth platform and he/she will get my vote. Lots of people HATE Bush, but at least he has conviction. Extremely strong on the terror thing. Sucks on the immigration thing, but he hasn't given in on his position. I respect that, but dont like the policy. Our country has never had a strong woman politician..PERIOD. Hillary is only running because people know Bill will be in the White House running the show. You can say good bye to national security, border security, and hello to extravagant welfare govt hand outs. They see you as pawns, and you need the govt's help. But its a ploy to own you. Remember once someone gives you hand outs, they expect something back.

Answer 9

Actually, we've had such bad luck with humans in general that I'm open to suggestions.
I've been thinking that our best bet would be an android candidate who smiles very nicely, speaks with perfect diction and clarity, has no needs or desires, and does absolutely nothing so that we could live in peace, plenty and freedom.
...Aaaahhhhh

Answer 10

because of hte history of slavery and the civil rights movement that just happened a little over 40 years ago....and theres never been a non-white candidate before, or woman candidate....i think. grantine minorities the right to vote is a relatively new phenomenon.