When I was 8 years old, I wrote a speech called “Women are Strong.” My words were at least partially inspired by Hillary Clinton (D-NY). Even then, I believed that both genders should have the same rights, and I disdained the older women I knew who told me that I should focus on being pretty, the same ladies who acted as if a woman could never be president or speak her own mind. Although I have supported Barack Obama (D-Ill.) since the beginning of this presidential campaign, I nonetheless admire Clinton’s accomplishments. John McCain’s (R-AZ.) nomination of Sarah Palin offends me because some people are satisfied by her female presence, even though she is nothing like Clinton. Although no person is better than another, some people are more qualified for certain jobs.

We should be scared about what will happen to girls and women if McCain is elected. Don’t believe me? Look at Palin’s values, or at those of Cindy McCain. I’ve worried about what will happen to women since before Palin entered the picture because Cindy McCain frightens me. In the words of someone I know, “Cindy McCain is a Stepford wife.” With the exception of her speech at the Republican National Convention and a few interviews, she has not said much of consequence. Her appearance conforms to the current standards of beauty and I would hate to see my 3- and 6-year-old nieces looking up to her the way I looked up to Hillary Rodham Clinton. With her very presence, Mrs. McCain wordlessly tells women of all ages that they are not going to make it anywhere unless they look a certain way—perfect, polished, and pressed at all times.

Neither Palin nor Cindy McCain believe in letting other females control their own bodies. Under a McCain administration, Roe v. Wade will surely be overturned, giving the government control over women’s bodies, which are already manipulated by the media and advertising. Little girls like my niece, Lyla, will listen to the words of McCain and Palin and hear that it’s not alright for them to be independent, strong, decisive, and unique individuals who can make their own choices regarding their own bodies. In fact, they’re already hearing it now.

They’re also hearing that girls should not hope to be assertive individuals with their own opinions. Look at the way Clinton is being represented. I have relatives who disprove of her because she speaks her mind and doesn’t look typically feminine. Although Clinton’s achievements are extraordinary, she is nonetheless criticized for her looks. When Amy Poehler says on Saturday Night Live that the media should stop mocking Clinton’s cankles, it’s funny, but really, we should be worried. For the first time in American history, women have had a legitimate opportunity to be president. Yet, I have heard Clinton being criticized for looking manly. One internet commentator said: “Hillary, you still look like a man. Stop it! You’re scaring me!” Appearances shouldn’t be a concern in a time as pivotal as this, yet they are, at least to those who believe that women should be subverted and silenced into femininity. Cindy McCain, Palin, and the reactions to Clinton tell us and little girls like my nieces that a woman’s only mode of communication is her body.

Now let’s look at Michelle Obama. She’s incredibly intelligent, eloquent, and accomplished. Unlike Cindy McCain, she’s Princeton- and Harvard-educated. Unlike Cindy McCain, Michelle Obama reflects the changing views of the modern woman. Unlike Cindy McCain, she has opinions of her own. And she’s not afraid to voice them. I’m constantly inspired by the woman who I hope will be the next First Lady, because being ladylike isn’t all she cares about. And now, when eating disorders and teen pregnancy are on the rise, American women (and women everywhere) need someone who will set an important example—the example that it’s okay for females to have their own points of view and, furthermore, to speak them.

I’m aware that Michelle Obama has been criticized for saying things that some groups don’t like to hear, but it’s better than not saying them at all. Freedom of speech is one of our fundamental rights, yet there are individuals who complain when someone like Michelle Obama—a brave, outspoken, black woman—exercises that right. It’s time to let the subaltern speak, and in the Land of the Free there are so many subaltern groups: African-Americans, Hispanics, women, homosexuals. Why can’t they—we—have our turn at the podium that has been dominated by wealthy white males? It’s time for a change, and Michelle Obama embodies it just as much as her husband does, and, perhaps, in a more psychologically important way.

I’m sad that I have to continue an argument that women like my grandmother, who would be 102 years old if she were still alive, supported decades ago. Women have come a long way, yes, but they’re still pushed to the sidelines like Cindy McCain, mocked for their participation in scholarship pageants like Sarah Palin, criticized for their less-than-feminine appearances like Hillary Clinton, or critiqued for speaking freely, like Michelle Obama. When will this stop?

How about now.

Marissa Mazek is a Barnard College junior majoring in English. The Rough Truth runs alternate Mondays. Opinion@columbiaspectator.com