Hillary Clinton:
Leading a Generation of Social and Political Change
Democratic hopeful Clinton represents a huge step forward in the feminist movement as she advances her presidential campaign.
November 2015
Namita Rao '19
“For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country. I've seen people who are hungry to be unified around some basic common issues, and it's made me proud," said Michelle Obama after President Barack Obama won the democratic nomination in 2008, who then went on to become the first African American President of the United States. Michelle thinks that it is remarkable to be living in a time where there is such great political and social change in the United States, and I couldn’t agree with her more. She expressed great pride in her speech to graduates of the Oberlin College last May. She says, “Today, it is no longer remarkable to see two beautiful black girls walking their dogs on the South Lawn of the White House. That’s just the way things are now."
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With the next presidential election coming up in November 2016, we seem to belong to the generation that’s finally breaking stereotypes. We’ve witnessed our first African American president, and now possibly the first woman president. Hillary Clinton announced her decision bid for the 2016 presidential race earlier this year. Currently, Clinton is leading in the polls and holds an 18-point lead over Bernie Sanders, 55% to 37%.
Even in today’s age, women are seemed to be more likable if they are delicate and fragile, and if they go along with this subservient stereotype. In so many different aspects of today’s society, men are considered to be the more dominant gender. As a powerful female leader, Clinton is unafraid to take on this challenge. However, the media shows Hillary just as a woman in politics and only focuses on certain aspects of her life- her marriage, her appearance, etc. Clinton is redefining what the media is portraying and isn’t playing to the stereotype of a typical woman. Hillary’s conduct and poise, especially in the Benghazi trial, and her years of experience as First Lady and as Secretary of State are now changing people and the media’s views. Clinton is demanding to be taken seriously, and has done so successfully.
Clinton’s candidacy is a huge win for the feminist movement. In an interview with Lena Dunham, Clinton is asked if she is a feminist and replies, “Yes, absolutely. I’m always a little bit puzzled when any woman of whatever age, but particularly a young woman, says something like, ‘well, I believe in equal rights but I’m not a feminist.’ Well, a feminist is by definition someone who believes in equal rights. I’m hoping that people will not be afraid to say, that doesn’t mean you hate men, it doesn’t you want to separate out the world, so you’re not a part of ordinary life -- that’s not what it means at all! It just means that we believe that women have the same rights as men." Hillary claims to be a feminist and believes in equal rights for men and women. She is taking initiative on women’s rights by redefining what it means to be a women.
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Lena Dunham said, “Whether you agree with Hillary’s politics or not, she represents something all too rare: a woman choosing to say ‘No thank you’ to societal expectations. A woman attempting to claim a historically male space and saying, without a trace of apology, ‘I can do this, and I deserve this’”. Hillary Clinton is breaking stereotypes and setting examples for people all around the world by taking charge as a powerful female political leader. It is truly amazing to be a part of the generation that witnesses these pivotal moments in history.
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Lena Dunham said, “Whether you agree with Hillary’s politics or not, she represents something all too rare: a woman choosing to say ‘No thank you’ to societal expectations." |
Social change is taking a more leading role in the political arena with this focus on feminism as well as other legislation including the legalization of same-sex marriage and the Black Lives Matter movement. I feel privileged to be a part of this era of positivity and acceptance. Though we have come far, we still have a long way to go towards reaching equality. There is still discrimination to overcome. I hope that our generation can push the country closer towards a society in which everyone is truly entitled to the rights of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” as our founding fathers once envisioned.