With Hillary Clinton as the favored Democratic candidate and Nancy Pelosi appointed as the first female Speaker of the House, it seems that women are finally breaking the marble ceiling to take their rightful seats in the political world. But despite these advancements, as more and more women take on previously male dominated roles, women face the difficult challenge of embracing their femininity while earning the respect and support of their male audience.
As the only major female candidate, Senator Clinton hopes to break a longstanding historical barrier and become the first female president. As she kicked off her campaign in Des Moines, Iowa on Saturday, she was greeted with excitement and praise. As can be expected, one of Clinton’s major campaign issues will be ensuring equal pay for both men and women in the workforce. She says, “Women have made progress, and I'm very proud of that, but it is still not equitable."
At the 2,000-person rally at Des Moines school gymnasium, Clinton responds to criticism that a woman cannot and should not be president. She exclaims to a cheering crowd, “Well, I don't believe that, but we're going to find out.” Senator Clinton says that she rejects the double standards against women in politics, but jokes that she does expect more gossip about her hair and dress than the rest of the male candidates.
While Senator Clinton certainly does not shy away from her responsibilities as a candidate with a unique opportunity to change the world for women, she makes it clear that she wants to be judged in her entirety, and not just for being a woman. Clinton proves that she is both a capable and experienced candidate for the presidential office when she addresses her position toward the war in Iraq. In response to questions about her 2002 vote to authorize the war, Clinton expresses regret about her decision, and is vehement now that President Bush must be stopped. The Senator boldly states that his policies must be overturned and that 20,000 more troops must not be deployed to Iraq.
At the Des Moines, Iowa rally Senator Clinton also discusses her objection to her husband and former president’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy about homosexuals in the military. The Senator believes that gays and lesbians in the military should be allowed to be open about their sexuality without the risk of discharge or harassment, and states that she aims to put an end to their forced silence.
Senator Clinton’s support of gay rights and women’s rights has instilled hope in and revitalized women’s political organizations around the country. Since Nancy Pelosi was appointed as House Speaker in January, she has been working closely with The Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, providing them with exclusive access to resources to help realize their goals. With the leadership of former caucus member and a female ally Nancy Pelosi in office, the women’s caucus plans to reboot their programs for women’s health, domestic violence, sex trafficking, and women in business.
With Senator Clinton on the rise and Pelosi already in power, the stage has been set to redefine the role of women in our society. Not only are our women rising to the top and standing their ground next to high-powered male politicians and CEO’s, but they are also helping to shed light on important women’s issues such as breast cancer research, education equity, and prison reform.
Unfortunately, despite the progress that is being made, stereotypes and double standards about women’s abilities still exist today; and groundbreaking women such as Clinton, Pelosi, and Condoleezza Rice are still being judged on a daily basis for their physical appearance, style of dress, and roles as mothers and wives. As trivial as it may seem, a simple error in fashion could actually set women back, and lose them both male and female support. A female politician has to achieve just the right balance of sex and sophistication, and must be careful not to rely on her sexuality nor deny it.
Despite these burdens, as women rise to the top, they shatter outdated stereotypes and prove that a woman can be both a loving mother and wife, and a political force to be reckoned with. As Senator Hillary Clinton storms the scene with overwhelming support, (after all, our country is 50% women), it seems that the disbelieving men of our country and those who are still stuck in the repressive ways of the past, should brace themselves for the transition into a female-run society.
While Senator Clinton certainly does not shy away from her responsibilities as a candidate with a unique opportunity to change the world for women, she makes it clear that she wants to be judged in her entirety, and not just for being a woman. Clinton proves that she is both a capable and experienced candidate for the presidential office when she addresses her position toward the war in Iraq. In response to questions about her 2002 vote to authorize the war, Clinton expresses regret about her decision, and is vehement now that President Bush must be stopped. The Senator boldly states that his policies must be overturned and that 20,000 more troops must not be deployed to Iraq.
At the Des Moines, Iowa rally Senator Clinton also discusses her objection to her husband and former president’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy about homosexuals in the military. The Senator believes that gays and lesbians in the military should be allowed to be open about their sexuality without the risk of discharge or harassment, and states that she aims to put an end to their forced silence.
Senator Clinton’s support of gay rights and women’s rights has instilled hope in and revitalized women’s political organizations around the country. Since Nancy Pelosi was appointed as House Speaker in January, she has been working closely with The Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, providing them with exclusive access to resources to help realize their goals. With the leadership of former caucus member and a female ally Nancy Pelosi in office, the women’s caucus plans to reboot their programs for women’s health, domestic violence, sex trafficking, and women in business.
With Senator Clinton on the rise and Pelosi already in power, the stage has been set to redefine the role of women in our society. Not only are our women rising to the top and standing their ground next to high-powered male politicians and CEO’s, but they are also helping to shed light on important women’s issues such as breast cancer research, education equity, and prison reform.
Unfortunately, despite the progress that is being made, stereotypes and double standards about women’s abilities still exist today; and groundbreaking women such as Clinton, Pelosi, and Condoleezza Rice are still being judged on a daily basis for their physical appearance, style of dress, and roles as mothers and wives. As trivial as it may seem, a simple error in fashion could actually set women back, and lose them both male and female support. A female politician has to achieve just the right balance of sex and sophistication, and must be careful not to rely on her sexuality nor deny it.
Despite these burdens, as women rise to the top, they shatter outdated stereotypes and prove that a woman can be both a loving mother and wife, and a political force to be reckoned with. As Senator Hillary Clinton storms the scene with overwhelming support, (after all, our country is 50% women), it seems that the disbelieving men of our country and those who are still stuck in the repressive ways of the past, should brace themselves for the transition into a female-run society.
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