I don’t know what to think about this compilation of sexified Sarah Palin T-shirts Jezebel rounded up. Some of them (like the one posted above) made me snort, and others (like “drill, baby, drill” … I’ll let you find that on your own) are just plain appalling.

First, my thoughts on Palin –
I’m a feminist, yes, but when it comes to divisive figures like her I don’t deny any bit of ill will I feel. I remember those first few minutes when I found out McCain had chosen a woman. I’m actually quite sad the pride I felt was so short-lived. And it’s too bad it didn’t take long to see her as what she is, that she’s nothing more than some sort of political marketing pawn — more than that, I feel like she gives women a pretty bad name and, in some cases, intensifies some pretty smarmy stereotypes (that of the overbearing hockey mom comes to mind). Yeah, she’s a woman and yes, it’s awesome that she’s a “heartbeat away from the presidency,” but come on, you just can’t take her seriously.

That being said, it’s really a shame that these T-shirt makers are attacking her based on what’s under her shirt, and this makes me want to protect her. It’s just taking the mud-slinging too far. Making vulgar references to the female genitalia (and suggesting that Palin embodies this vulgar representation) and slapping on “clever” slogans (“I’d Drill That?” Really? This is the best you can do?) just makes those people who oppose (or support) her look like idiots. Even if you don’t like her (and, let’s be clear, I do not), cheap shots like these are just not the right way to point out her misgivings.

My message to the T-Shirt makers: Point out slip-ups in her political history (and there are many) in a clear, matter-of-fact way. This should take up enough of your time. At least enough of it to keep you from visiting the screen printing shop.