In a world where women are often scrutinized for every little detail, Hillary Clinton recently opened up about the challenges of sexism in two compelling posts on Humans of New York. She highlights the pervasive issue that many working women face daily—a shadowy figure called “sexism” that causes us to second-guess our choices and evaluate our every professional reaction.
Are you smiling enough? Too much? Are you too assertive or too timid? Are you carefully curating your vocabulary? Clinton’s insights resonate with women everywhere who have navigated similar experiences, albeit not necessarily in the same high-profile way.
“I had to learn as a young woman to control my emotions,” she shares. “And that’s a tough balancing act. You need to shield yourself while also appearing approachable.” Imagine making it to the presidential nomination and still having to justify your facial expressions. It’s enough to make anyone want to throw their laptop out the window.
She elaborates, “You have to communicate in a way that people say: ‘OK, I get her.’ And that’s often more complicated for women. Most role models in politics are men, and what works for them doesn’t necessarily translate.” In a nutshell, women tend to be viewed through a different lens. Where men are often seen as “confident,” women might be labeled “pushy.” Their passion is deemed “serious,” while a woman’s passion can come off as “shrill.” It’s an exhausting dynamic that women deal with in every workplace, not to mention the unique pressures faced by female presidential candidates.
“I attend events where men will speak passionately, raising their voices about the need to win the election, and people love it. I want to convey that same enthusiasm because I genuinely care,” Clinton explains. “But I’ve learned that I can’t express my passion too energetically. I love to express myself with gestures, but apparently, that can intimidate some people. If I raise my voice, it’s seen as ‘too loud’ or ‘too much.’”
The role of President of the United States is one that no woman has occupied before, creating a complex landscape with no clear model to follow. You don’t have to be a fan of Clinton to recognize the uphill battle she faces. Women everywhere are imploring you: refrain from critiquing her smile, labeling her unemotional, or calling her walled off or shrill. Let’s not contribute to the sexist narrative; it doesn’t help any of us.
For more on navigating these complex societal norms, check out this insightful post on our other blog, Intracervical Insemination. If you’re interested in home insemination, Make A Mom is an authority on the subject. For further resources, visit ASRM, where you can find excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, Hillary Clinton’s reflections on sexism resonate deeply with women who have faced similar challenges, emphasizing the unique hurdles that come with female leadership.