Last November 10^th a significant election took place in my native country, Argentina. A runoff between officialist candidate Daniel Scioli and opposition leader Mauricio Macri ended up with a victory for Macri, and putting an end to 12 years of Kirchner government (Nestor Kirchner, then his widow Cristina Kirchner). The election was also significant because on the most important State (Buenos Aires) another woman from the opposition, against all odds, became the first female Governor defeating one of the most powerful leaders of the Kirchner government: Anibal Fernandez.

Maria Eugenia Vidal, the new Governor, was a virtual unknown just a few years ago, but worked hard and was never afraid to talk with anyone.  She toured the entire state (biggest province in Argentina and the most populated) and conquered the heart of people with her intelligence and charm.

In the midst of this historical election, one of the intellectuals who most vehemently has supported the Kirchners, philosopher, writer and columnist José Pablo Feinmann, spoke about new Governor Vidal in a way that far exceeds political strategy.  What Feinman said about Maria Eugenia Vidal is that “she is so pretty that she could easily end up being  a victim of human trafficking”.  He used an outdated expression “Trata de blancas” (white slavery) which is also offensive and incorrect as many of the victims of human trafficking are non-white.

Some of the considerations about Feinman’s statements have to do with his reputation as a philosopher, adviser, and propagandist of the Kirchner administration who has remained silent and has not condemned his remarks. In  a sexist country like Argentina it is not easy for a woman to become a political leader unless she is “the wife of”. This was the case of Evita Peron (who was never President  but sometimes overshadowed President Peron in the late 40s) Isabel de Peron (Peron’s second wife who became President in 1975 after Peron’s death) and Cristina Kirchner who became President after her husband passed away while in office.  When a woman like Maria Eugenia Vidal is judged by her looks, it becomes an insult rather than a compliment. Further than that she is threatened by the possibility of being exploited in human trafficking,  which is a serious problem in countries like Argentina. 

An image of some of these  intellectuals try to project is based on a mythic leftist past, a “progressive patina” that easily dissolves under scrutiny.  Feinman who once defended human rights has crossed the line utilizing threatening language that not only offends but dehumanize the woman people have elected to govern the most important State of Argentina.

http://www.perfil.com/politica/Feinmann-le-advirtio-a-la-chica-linda-de-Vidal-Puede-terminar-en-una-trata-de-blancas-20151112-0038.html