Guest opinion: Hate the name, not the game
Sara Kurovski Oct 5, 2015 | 7:19 pm
3 min read time
649 wordsAll Latest News, Arts and Culture, Lift IOWA
“Look at all these men making decisions about women’s bodies.”
This is the statement I heard at a coffeehouse last week between two women reading the paper. Of course, the headlining article was about the ongoing debate around Planned Parenthood.
The other woman responded to her friend, “Well, there is nothing we can do about it.”
I walked out of the coffeehouse disappointed and frustrated. Of course there is something we can do about it. At a minimum, join the conversation. And run for office — any office.
I reflected on that moment over and over again. Here we are in the middle of a presidential race in a state that receives some of the top attention, and we still have people thinking there is nothing they can do.
I will admit, election seasons are exhausting in Iowa. We are hit first with ads, visits and constant news coverage — which is why I believe most women, especially in Iowa, are raised in a way that despises the political game.
Personally, I am sick and tired of being told which issues are “women’s issues.” To some, the only issue I should care about is at my waist and below. This is completely unfair and untrue. As 53 percent of the population in the United States — yes, ladies, we represent 53 percent of the population — most women stray away from politics simply because of the nature of the game and the confusion from what the media tells us.
I want us all to consider, men and women alike, what “political” issues apply to women.
- Do we care about the type of education that our children are receiving? Absolutely.
- Do we care about how we are going to care for our parents when they can’t care for themselves? Absolutely.
- Do we care about our soldiers whose service allows us to sleep safely on U.S. soil each night? Absolutely.
- Do we think what ISIS is doing is revolting and inhumane? Absolutely.
- Do we want choices when it comes to our medical care? Absolutely.
- Do we care about how much money we make, compared with our male counterparts in the same job? Absolutely.
- Do we care about opportunities to start our own successful businesses? Absolutely!
These topics cover everything from education to health insurance to taxes to war. So, please, tell me again why these are not our issues.
A tip to any politician or presidential candidate out there: Stop referring to specific issues as “women’s issues.” They are American issues, and we are 53 percent of the vote.
Please, ladies – I know election season is hard. Some of us may watch a little less TV, read less mail and avoid social media, but I encourage you to pay attention and be engaged.
There are two female presidential candidates, and the race is heating up. You can hate the name, but it is our job not to hate the game. Find out who represents us all, not just specific parts of us. Instead of a collective groan, let’s dig in, be involved and make history for the United States of America.
Sara Kurovski, a graduate of Truman State University with a master’s degree in public administration, was elected the first female mayor of Pleasant Hill in November 2013 and the youngest female mayor ever in Greater Des Moines, earning her story national recognition in Sheryl Sandberg’s book “Lean In for Graduates.” After working at Metro Waste Authority for eight years, she became Kum & Go’s manager of sustainability in 2014. Kurovski also is a member of the Business Record’s 2015 Forty Under 40 class and was the 2015 Meredith Emerging Woman of Influence. She lives in Pleasant Hill with her husband, Todd, and two children.
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