One of the most annoying things about studying political science is that many folks just assume this means you "do" politics.

We don't. My colleagues that have lament that most political scientists actually really dislike politics. They're not wrong.

More annoying? That studying gender and politics means we must automatically support all women politicians and aspirants.

I remember getting this as a grad student. "Why?" Just because they're women. "Why on earth would you assume that?" Because women.

It's an assumption that's worse than adding women and stirring, and assuming that will create and kind of transformation.

It assumes that there's no thought involved, just blind affinity. It's sexist to assume that, and it takes a nanosecond of reflection to see the problem

All this to say to whoever decides to come for me and my colleagues today or any day because they think we "owe" a politician they like deference or support just because they're women? PFO and STFU. Thx.