Blog15
1. In the interview with Pat Schroeder, regarding Hillary Clinton’s run for presidency, the discussion of sexism and the presidential race highlights our society’s view of women and their perceived role in American politics. As Hillary has put it, she has had to “break through the hardest and highest glass ceiling” in order to be even be considered a presidential hopeful. The struggle between maintaining femininity and showing power boils down to wearing a “pant suit and wearing pearls” and never wavering from a stoic front. After becoming too emotional for the general public to bear, she was immediately criticized as not being strong enough or tough enough to handle all of the stress the position will hold. We can clearly see the sexism in the youtube video, which plays on her emotional, ‘feminine’ side, where men can only think of her as their “nagging wives”. In the contrast between sexism and racism, sexism gets the short end of the stick, since if Hillary confronts the issues of sexism in the race, she will be thought of as not being able to “withstand the heat”. However, as Schroeder discusses, any racist attack on Obama would never go without an uproar of protest. Because Hillary is a woman, she is forced to combat sexism whether she wants to or not and her run alone is changing society’s view of what a great leader can be. Is it fair? No. Is it something she knew she would have to battle? Yes. Unfortunately, our Country is much more concerned about the role a female will play in power than in what their actual capabilities are and sexism is still very present.
2. The most frustrating aspect of this presidential race has been the fight over sex and race. As Gloria Steinem says, we as a party, should be united and not let these issues instead divide us. Both Hillary and Obama have “raised the standards” in terms of what our hopeful presidents should be, though it is added that perhaps it is more difficult to be a female in politics than it is to be African American. What bothers me the most is that this race should not be about a black man and a female. It should be about who is the best leader for our Country. Feminists believe they must vote for Hillary. African Americans believe they should vote for Obama. I would love to have a female president, however I won’t vote for Hillary just because she is a female. I won’t vote for a race or a gender just to chose a side, because it should really be about whom you feel will do the best job in leading our Country. As Steinem says, a “feminist can still vote for Obama”. People of color can still vote for Hillary. The media has manipulated the public and forced them to choose sides, not based on qualifications, or views on issues, but rather on whether you want a black man or a woman as your leader. “It is the issues that are important” as Steinem says, and the issue of race and sex should not be enough to divide us.
5 comments:
Bran’D R #1
Rachel, your analysis really highlighted the main points discussed in the audio clips. Your clear and concise remarks gave me an even better understanding of what was said about each candidate. Clearly Hillary is stuck between this constant battle between maintaining her femininity, yet presenting herself as presidential material. However, as you mentioned, attempting to project any bit of femininity comes at a price since viewers simply misinterpret Hillary as being weak, and incapable of withstanding the criticisms directed towards her. I also agree that too much focus is placed towards viewing Hillary as simply a woman, rather than directing the attention towards her capabilities as a potential leader. I also enjoyed reading your second analysis and thought that it was very well put. As you said, the battle between Hillary and Obama is indeed about their gender and race, rather than their political stances. The problem with the election is that it is seen as a battle between sex and gender. Therefore, putting constraints on the voters since they feel inclined to vote a certain way based on the candidate that is best fitting to their own social construct; which of course is a misconception the media feeds off of.
Sonia-R#1
Rachel, I couldn’t agree more in regards to what you said about the country focusing on Clinton being a woman more than her capabilities. Since when is being the leader of something specifically a man’s job? Especially today when women run companies and households every single day. It is very disappointing that the “free world” and probably the most advanced country in almost every aspect from science and medicine to military weapons is still living in the past. We’ve been taught that women don’t run for president and the way Clinton is being treated may prevent women in the future for running for president but there will be more. I firmly believe that there will be more who will stand up and say I can do that too. This country needs to wake up and realize that we can’t allow the media to control the way we think, we have the freedom to think for ourselves so why not use it? It’s silly to think that when we have the opportunity to put a person in the white house that can produce change for both women and all races and ethnicities, we dwell on their appearances and innate attributes. She is a woman, but I’m sure she’s more than that. Besides women are probably just as strong if not stronger because of their struggle.
Xochitl R#2
Hi Sonia,
It is interesting that you mention the struggle that women have had through the time. However, I do not think that woman is superior or stronger than man rather I believe that woman is as intelligent as man and have the same capability. I think that women should be respected as men and have equals rights as men and so far I believe that this is coming true. It is a long way to go still, but slowly women is breaking up the ceiling to get her way throughout. Important figures as Abigail Adams, Harriet Tubman, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton among other remarkable personages have made significant changes in the course of a lifetime, and Hillary Clinton is not an exception. Hillary as other important women figures will become an icon and example to follow moreover an inspiration to future women generations. Therefore women will have more opportunities to participate in economic, politic, and cultural issues since Hillary has mowed the lawn to clear out the path, once more to keep breaking up barriers.
Rachel R#2
Hi Sonia,
Thanks for your response! You’re absolutely right that America is not as advanced in terms of gender norms and social views as we perceive ourselves to be. I think other Countries take note of that as well. I mean, come on, how many other Countries have had female leaders? We are definitely behind in that aspect of progression. And although you and I can understand that running an entire household is a job, many which haven’t done it or haven’t seen someone else do it, do not entirely understand what it takes. I don’t think the sexism exuded in this race will prevent women from running for president. I think that in coming elections we will see more and more women campaigning to run our Country. And as that happens, I think our society will become more welcoming of that change. Good luck on the final!
Ruba, R # 2
Hi Bran’D,
I enjoyed reading both your response and Rachel’s Blog as well.
Both you and Rachel are absolutely right. It seems that the last two democratic candidates were an African American man and a woman, which is very ironic taking into account the fact that racism and sexism are two big issues that are country still, unfortunately, suffers from.
It seems however, that both candidates have handled the vicious remarks and comments very well and that if anything shows their strength as leaders. Moreover, it saddening, as you mentioned, to see that many people can not perceive Obama or Clinton beyond their skin color or their gender. People need to focus on what each candidate is proposing as far as what this country really suffers from such as the war in Iraq and the economy. It seems that both have similar goals as far as improving the lives of people in this country, and that’s what people need to consider, not whether it’s an African American man or a woman.
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