Wendy Davis Feminism: Stand By Your Man Until the Bills Are Paid

Wendy Davis is continuing in the footsteps of “great” feminist leaders who climbed up the political ladder on the backs of the men who supported them financially.  It was revealed in the Dallas Morning News that her ex-husband cashed in his 401k and took out a loan to pay for her law degree at Harvard.

Over time, the Davises’ marriage was strained. In November 2003, Wendy Davis moved out. 

Jeff Davis said that was right around the time the final payment on their Harvard Law School loan was due. “It was ironic,” he said. “I made the last payment, and it was the next day she left.”

Likewise, feminist icon Gloria Steinem used her relationships with men to advance her career in journalism.  Many people have touted her job as a former Playboy bunny as some sort of eye-opening experience about the roles of men and women in society.  However, most neglect to mention that she sought the job specifically so she could write an article about it for a men’s magazine.  Many also neglect to mention that her first issue of Ms. magazine was funded by her first media boss, Clay Felker of Esquire magazine.  For all her complaining about the glass ceiling, time after time the male-dominated publishing industry lifted her up.

There is nothing wrong with taking advantage of opportunities offered to women by men (well, unless you’re the mother of two children and cheating on your husband while he pays your bills).  What bothers me is that women use these opportunities to bash men and keep women in a victim mindset.

The other aspect of the Wendy Davis campaign that’s coming to light is what we keep seeing time after time from Democrats like Barack Obama and John Kerry and their cohorts in the media.  These elaborate narratives are concocted with half-truths in order to advance their candidacy.  The community organizer. The anti-war soldier.  The pretty feminist in pink.

The media is happy to play along with puff pieces that tell the stories the campaign wants to put forth.  Meanwhile, stories about conservative candidates’ struggles are downplayed or ridiculed.  Cruz and Rubio? Fake Hispanics.  Mia Long, Tim Scott and Erika Harold?  Uncle Toms and tokens.  Phyllis Schlafly, the first woman asked to attend Harvard Law School?  Bored housewife.

But, Wendy Davis who now admits to overstating her struggles as a young, single mother and who stayed with her second husband until her law school bills were paid?  Feminist icon.