It's Quite Possible, But Won't Be Easy to Achieve
Cira,
Great question for debate! One of my favorites, as a matter of fact.
When I taught writing at the Dominico (1996-97), one of the types of writing we had to teach was argumentative. I often chose the question of whether a woman could ever be elected president of the DR. 1/3 the class would be assigned to argue the pro side, 1/3 the con, and 1/3 assigned to critique the arguments and vote on who convinced them (and explain why). It was fascinating to listen to the arguments, listen to the reasoning of my students, who were all voting age adults, some college students, some working professionals, some just individuals wanting to expand their horizons. Most classes were pretty evenly divided between male and female. The three main party affiliations (PRD, PLD, PRSC) were always represented. What conclusions did they have in common? The following:
(1) theoretically, a woman should be able to run the DR. They all pointed out Thatcher, Indira Ghandi, etc.
(2) Most of the students felt Milagros Ortiz Bosch had what it took to run the country, if given a chance. (Remember, in those days, Milagros was only a Senator, not even nominated as VP for PRD).
(3) All that said, a woman, even Milagros, would probably never get all the votes necessary to be elected president.
When I inquired as to why they reached conclusion #3, I was surprised. Some mentioned machoism, that men would be hesitant to vote for a woman as president. But often many of the male students would say that they would vote for Milagros if she was nominated by her party. IT WAS THE FEMALE STUDENTS, with rare exception, WHO INSISTED THAT DOMINICAN WOMEN WOULDN"T VOTE FOR A WOMAN PRESIDENT. They insisted that most Dominican women, while proud that women like Milagros have gained high positions in government and business, would not trust a woman to actually run the country on an ongoing basis. They would opt for a strong, authoritative male to keep a "firm grip" on the reins. I would ask if maybe the students were selling the female voters of the DR short, that perhaps those voters might surprise everyone if Milagros ever was nominated. Most of the female students would insist that it wouldn't happen without a radical change of attitude among dominicanas .
I wish I was still running that class for many reasons (mainly because I love teaching), among them being able to stage that debate again today, after Dominicans have seen Milagros in her vice presidential role for a couple of years. I wonder if attitudes have changed.
For my own part, I have to say that I was disappointed when Milagros chose to be the VP of Hipo. I had met Hipo and heard him speak in a small town long before he gained the PRD nomination, and I was not impressed at all. I felt -- and still do -- that Milagros may have done more damage than help to her reputation by linking her name to Hipo's. I know that she made the deal in order to be at the head of the line the next time the PRD national primary occurs, but I think she traded away too much in the process. Hipo gave her the most difficult portfolio in which to show measurable progess (education), has repeatedly tied her hands in implementing her mandate (taking away budget, etc.), and has encouraged (officially no, but unofficially in every way possible) the movement to get himself re-elected president. What has she gained in return? The ability to say that she sits at Hipo's desk whenever he's traveling outside the country (which seems all too frequent these days)? Has that ever gotten a VP elected in the DR? Or for that matter, in the US (except Bush I)?
Ah, well. My two cents worth. I look forward to seeing what other posters have to say.
Best regards,
Keith