The PR of Parenthood: Where Political Messaging and Media Place Motherhood and Femininity

The political sphere constantly calls on motherhood as a vehicle toward gains. From the abortion debate to book bans and school shootings to pandemic childcare, the definition of women and female voters as “mothers” inspires political campaigns, PR stunts, journalistic angles, and social media mobilization. The maternal pull on political communication has caused lawmakers, candidates, lobbyists, and analysts to skew the image of motherhood—bringing womanhood and wifehood along with it. Join The Sidebar producer KATHRYN JONES in an examination of the political storytelling of “motherhood.” She speaks to ELISE ANDERSON, the Director of Communications at Vote Mama. Anderson and the Vote Mama crew represent left-leaning candidates and research magnifying the political impact of mothers from school boards to Capitol Hill. Their roster includes senators, representatives, state justices, assemblywomen, and more. --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org. --------- Tickets are now on sale for the 3rd Annual New York Association of Black Journalists Juneteenth Scholarship and Awards Gala on Wednesday June 19th, 2024 at The Standard, hosted by CBS 2 News anchor Maurice Dubois and national correspondent and CBS Weekend News anchor Jericka Duncan. Proceeds will go to NYABJ's First Take program for high school students interested in a career in journalism. You can buy your tickets today at www.nyabj.org.