Statement by WMC President Jehmu Greene

The Women’s Media Center strongly objects to Newsweek’s cover featuring Sarah Palin in short shorts and a fitted top. It is clear that, under pressure to be provocative, Newsweek is using Sarah Palin as a pin-up girl to sell magazines.

Like all political figures, Palin’s record, policies and performance should be subject to rigorous media critique. However, The Women’s Media Center opposes media coverage focused on her appearance and sexuality. This positioning of Sarah Palin undermines any serious analysis of her role as a national political figure.

The Women’s Media Center is pleased to see other national media outlets agree Newsweek’s selection for its cover photo is both inappropriate and sexist. Yet Newsweek editor Jon Meacham refuses to admit any responsibility, issuing an unapologetic statement referring to a “gender-neutral standard.”

What Mr. Meacham and his colleagues fail to realize is that, by portraying Sarah Palin in this light, they have added an additional barrier for all women and girls who aspire to political leadership. It is no coincidence that women make up only 17 percent of Congress while comprising 51 percent of the nation’s population.

The Women’s Media Center calls on members of the media – who are struggling to engage consumers in a new media landscape – to remember that sexism may sell, but we’re not buying it.