TV series - female politicians

Today I’m going to write – as title suggests – about TV series with the women in a leading role as major politicians. The reason for that is, I had to change my concept of BA Thesis. It was really hard to get reliable information about women in US government so I changed my perspective a little and turned towards fiction.  

The first title that came to my mind was Commander in Chief, starring Geena Davis.  I’ve heard about this show few years ago, but only watched one episode, I wasn’t really interested then is such repertoire. But it will definitely come in handy now. So, brief summary about the show: The story focuses on the administration and family of Mackenzie Allen -  the first female President of United States. She was holding the position of Vice President, but took office after the death of current President, who suddenly died from intracranial aneurysm. It’s brief I know, but I have yet to watch the show, but it gives me home for satisfactory material for my work.

Next is another show, a miniseries - Political Animals, starring Sigourney Weaver. It’s about “Elaine Barrish, who is appointed Secretary of State by President Paul Garcetti after losing to him in the presidential primary. While dealing with the usual crises of the State Department, Barrish also must try to keep her family together and fend off a hungry journalist who wants to destroy her political career.” As I said I will comment more in the future, after viewing the the show, but it sounds intriguing.

The third show that I hope I will use in my work is Madam Secretary, starring Téa Leoni. The series is about Elizabeth McCord, a former CIA analyst who gets appointed as a Secretary of State, after the tragic death of the current Secretary of State in a plane crash. She in appointed by the President, who thinks her a perfect candidate, because of her ability to think outside the box.

I’m also considering using TV show 24. The character of Allison Taylor played by Cherry Jones. The first female President of the United States in 24, first appeared in 24 Redemption, then in season 7 and 8.

But I’m not entirely sure if I will use this character in my BA Thesis, that’s way I’m only metioning it for the time being.

           

            That’s it for today. I guess for the next few weeks I will be spending on watching and analysing these shows and will definitely comment on them here, but if you have any suggestions for me, feel free to comment.

PS. Now I have no idea how to title my work…

Until next week.

K.

Hillary Clinton 2016 speculation

This week my inspiration and ideas connecting with my bachelor’s paper suddenly disappeared, simply put it, I had a writer’s block. But I am determined to come up with some ideas every week, so the topic I came up with for today’s entry was Hillary Clinton and speculations concerning her running for president in 2016.

First thing that always come to my mind when I think about women in the American government is why there is  low number of them and the political career of Hillary Clinton ( I’m contemplating whether to analyse her life as a politician or focus more on prejudice in government – still wandering if maybe I should write about major female politicians or not, or maybe connecting these two ideas, we’ll see- so back to the topic at hand). Hillary Clinton went from being the wife of president Bill Clinton and the First Lady (don’t worry they’re still married), running for president in 2008 , to being the Secretary of State (2^nd woman holding that position in government-after Condoleezza Rice). I consider this journey as a great accomplishment not only for her, but for every woman. She showed that despite the constant prejudice and stereotypes women can hold the position of power and do not disappoint.

But coming back to the mentioned earlier speculations, I decided to do some research on that topic and well… ended up being disappointed. The problem that came up most often, was that she is too old. And surprise, surprise -  men were only too eager to point that out. So I am asking now – is it really that important, does her age is the major factor in potential campaign? No, I don’t think so. What matters is her political experience and qualifications, which she obviously possess if the speculations about the presidency are any indication.

        Well, I guess I got a little carried away by emotions with this topic. But the prejudice concerning women is still very much present, even concerning the major female, political figures, like Hillary Clinton.

I think in my next entry I will focus on Hillary’s Clinton life and journey in politics. I’m still in two minds about which problem I will address in my bachelor’s paper, prejudice and difficulties concerning women or major female figures in politics, or maybe connecting both – which is way, I will be extremely grateful for any comments and suggestions.

K.