While mainstream news media are crazed to "arbitrarily" grade or score Obama's first 100 days in office, I thought to myself, "Hey! why don't I join in on the fun with the other grade-obsessed nutties!" But because this is a feminist blog, I will refrain from using traditional grading scales that prohibit a broaden view of Obama's complex leadership as President of the United States. So instead, I'll share both the highs and lows of Obama's first 100 days as it relates to women and particularly, women of color.
From his historic cabinet appointments and high-level leadership positions of women of color to the remarkable and significant policy changes that affect women--Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, overturn of the "global gag rule", the passing of the economic stimulus package which sustains and creates new jobs in areas primarily dominated by women, and the introduction of the White House Council on Women and Girls--there's no doubt that we are seeing some great advancements under this new administration.
However, Obama may have turned some smiles into frowns during his first 100 days by boycotting the U.N.'s Anti-Racism Conference in Geneva, the bailout of banking and investment powerhouses, his appointments of past Clinton advisors, a relatively low percentage of women as cabinet members (6, possibly 7 out of 22--3 women of color), abstinence-only funding still remains intact, and his reluctance to prosecute key members of the previous Bush administration for interrogation torture strategy orders.
Needless to say, President Obama has certainly had a roller coaster ride in his first 100 days, and the ride is not over yet. Stay tuned for the rest of his term!
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