***Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author’s and are not those of Her Campus Wyoming or HerCampus.com.
Hillary Clinton called out an important struggle women have… and I’m here for it.
I was browsing through my news feed this morning, when I came across an article by Politico titled, “Hillary Clinton says 2020 female candidates unfairly have to avoid looking ‘angry‘.”
Me, being a savvy, politically opinionated conservative, had to read this to see what kinds of things the 2016 election loser was sparking up about the upcoming 2020 election. Oddly, I was surprised and agreed with Hillary 100%. The fact is, females in male-dominated fields already face a disadvantage. Personally, I can see this first hand.
As Secretary Clinton points out, how does a woman stand up for herself on the biggest stage in the world without looking aggressive?
Women often face scrutiny and criticism for perceived qualities or traits that would not be applied to men. For instance, being too aggressive, assertive, confrontational, argumentative, macho, or gung-ho. Perceptions of women are still rooted in the traditional 1950’s housewife persona. And if I need to provide any more examples, just look at any woman in a military or political career. Women can’t be too masculine when in a leadership role.
And what I hate most about the expected persona is that there is no gray area. You’re either viewed as too soft, feminine, womanly, gentle, delicate… or masculine and aggressive. Basically, you’re seen as a jerk when you need to get something done or need to establish a grounded command presence.
There’s no between. And as a woman, particularly in a man’s field, I think that is crap.
So where does this leave us in the 2020 Presidential race? Hillary’s interview was about her views on the women running for president, so it’s only fitting to see who exactly is in the pool. Five Democratic women have already declared candidacy.
1) Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii)
Gabbard is the first Samoan-American and the first Hindu member of Congress. She is also a Major in the Hawaiian Army National Guard. She announced her campaign in mid-January.
2) Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York)
Gillibrand, preceded by Secretary Clinton herself, has served in the House and Senate. She also has a Law degree from the UCLA School of Law.
3) Kamala Harris (D-California)
Harris also has a Law degree, from University of California, Hastings College of Law, and wants to fight for a large tax cut for the middle class. Her mom immigrated from India, and her father immigrated from Jamaica.
4) Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota)
Klobuchar is also a lawyer, getting her degree from the University of Chicago Law School. She is Minnesota’s first elected female United States Senator.
5) Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachussetts)
Warren has an academic background, being a professor of Law. She was also Republican up until 1995.