In today's Newyorker, Allyson Hobbs asks, why aren't we inspired by Hillary Clinton? She takes aim at the main culprit, gender bias:
But another obvious explanation is the persistent problem of gender bias in American culture. Perhaps the sexism—in both overtly hostile and less visible but still insidious ways—has helped stoke the fires of animosity towards Clinton while, at the same time, creating an almost impossible standard for her. Unlike her male opponents, Clinton has to be far more careful and measured in what she says and does. To be free from a strict choreography of words and actions is a form of male privilege that Hillary Clinton cannot access.
Hobbs points out authenticity is the buzzword this election, but for Hillary, as a woman running for President, there are a myriad of obstacles to just being yourself:
Authenticity has been a keyword during this election season. And our culture, suffused with sexism, plays the role of the arbiter of a candidate’s authenticity. Clinton must tread lightly: she cannot appear too strong without risking her likability ratings; she cannot appear too vulnerable without her credibility suffering. Herein lies Clinton’s dilemma.Pointing to deragatory remarks aimed at women and particularly Hillary this election cycle, Hobbs argues:
On a more visceral level, some Americans still wince at the idea of a woman in the Oval Office. When it comes to sexism in American culture, very little has changed since the 2008 election. Indeed, things may have gotten worse. Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump has continued to thrive after making unseemly comments about Fox News host Megyn Kelly and his opponent Carly Fiorina. The conservative political blog RedState maligned Clinton as proof that “even a homely woman can sleep her way into power.” Bill Maher’s suggestions for infusing some spirit into Clinton’s “joyless” campaign were not as vicious, but they were belittling nonetheless: “See if Taylor Swift has room in her girl gang for you. . . . Lick a donut with Ariana Grande. . . .Hobbs goes on to argue even the general disaffection some voters have with Hillary is steeped in sexism. She points to studies that show women are either viewed as warm or competent, not both. She wraps up her piece by highlighting the many inspirational elements Hillary adds to the campaign, her call that women's rights are human rights, her work on SCHIP, her diligence with regards the health of first responders after 9/11, her work as Secretary of State in forging relations with Iran and Cuba, etc.. I would add her plan for the environment and our infrastructure is extremely exciting, as are many of her other proposals.
Ultimately, what does Hobbs think a victory for this first Democratic woman President would look like? "There will be tears, hugs, and prayers."