As we all known the 2016 Presidential Election is just around the corner. It is funny because not too long ago I was not really interested in history class nonetheless politics. Although as I grew into the young woman that I am today, I became inspired, enlightened and learned more about myself. I learned more about what my key interests are and the things that I am driven and passionate about. I learned that a career in politics does not sound entirely bad- especially when my vote counts! With that being said, I wrote a piece, while back in high school, in my Media Studies class (Loved that class!) and really wanted to share it.
In American Politics, appearance plays a very significant role. When the opportunity, open to all, to run for President, men are automatically presented with honor and strength by stereotypical means, but when women enter as candidates they receive intense attention and not because of their capabilities, but because they are “women in politics." What does this mean you may ask? According to a typical list of Gender Stereotypes, “women are not as strong as men, women are not politicians, women are quieter than men and are not supposed to speak, and women are supposed to be submissive and do as they are told.
If you were not aware Hillary Clinton was investigated about the scandal disclosing her use of a private email server while she was serving her time as Secretary of State, but when Hillary responded to what the issue really is, the media caught her one remark pertaining to her new snapchat account, “By the way, you may have seen that I have recently launched a snapchat account. I love it- those messages disappear all by themselves” (Fox and Friends). The media, press, and people are going crazy over this simple statement and are claiming that her emails contain “Top Secret” information. They are manipulating the words she said and interpreting them into something completely outrageous. In fact, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is one of many individuals who has made accusations about Hillary making a mockery of the scandal. He criticized her for abstaining to acknowledge the issue or explaining the truth to us, the people, on why she was using private emails. Of course they, as in our coveted media, is going to make such a big deal about some silly action she took. It is indeed their job to unfortunately make her look bad, but why did the media make it an extremely big deal? Why do they feel the need to worry about the content within her emails? Hillary is a grown woman who has every right to a personal email. She has the right to a private life.
Even though Hillary Clinton is a woman of strength, determination and inspiration, the media continues to represent her as woman who is too: indecisive, naive, deceitful, manipulative, and incapable of being a leader- especially of a nation. Since it is very rare that we see a woman running for president, the media directs a majority of their attention on them making it seem as if it is a phenomenon that they are in fact a WOMAN! A woman who is ambitious, fearless, and courageous. When women enter politics men make it their mission to conquer, in order to exceed and preserve the expectations made within the male culture. Their intimidation of women in politics lies beneath their fear of: competition and possibility of failure. The idea of gender roles where the man is “supposed” to be the leader: making the most money, working, intellectually strong and the woman is “supposed” to be a housewife, completely objectifies who women in politics really are. Although these stereotypes against women, pertaining to leadership roles, have proven to be irrational, they have not stopped women from being powerful within private sectors nor in politics.
Hillary is a woman, but does this mean she is too "emotional" and too much of a nurturer to be President? Now this question seems to be an absurd, yet common question when women partake in politics. It is of course the type of question based on stereotypical views, but it unfortunately exists. As Hillary Clinton fights to pave her way to that presidential podium, she faces a great balance of love and hate everyday. Of course she has millions of women cheering her on, she is a WOMAN in politics! I mean how often do we see woman in politics? How often have we seen a woman fight to become president and become very close? We can definitely acknowledge the fact that she is admired because of her fearlessness to participate in a male-oriented territory. As a young woman I know I admire her. I admire her as a woman, for being the first woman in American History to over exceed the expectations and generalizations made within society. I admire her because she is a prime example of how far we, as a society, has evolved and grown to accept and embrace women in this fierce and competitive workforce.
Remember when President Barack Obama was elected in 2008 and inaugurated in 2009?Then elected again in 2012 and inaugurated in 2013? Ultimately completing a total of 2 terms also known as 8 years! When he first ran for president, and won, the people questioned whether or not The United States of America was READY for a Male Black President. Sure enough he proved to them, us, that we indeed were. He made his legendary imprint in history, when he became the first black man to hold office, and will always be remembered and honored for it. Now what I want to know, Is The United States of America ready for their first Female President? I say yes, but of course it all depends on the person.
At the end of the day, I believe it is up to us, women, to take back the power that has been taken from us. Let us rise and take back the power in all areas that have been ostracized and isolated from us. Let us rise and take back the power when it comes to vulnerability, love, and relationships. Let us rise and take back the power show men as well as society that we too can conquer, lead and succeed, ultimately leading us to become innocently fierce.
Xoxo,
Miss True!
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