This isn’t a political commentary, so let’s get that clear from the outset. I’m not here to endorse a political party or champion Hillary Clinton as our next president. Instead, I’m a dad sharing my thoughts on what it means to tell my daughters that they could one day be president, and how significant that statement truly is.
I have three kids: a two-year-old daughter named Lily, a six-year-old named Mia, and my nine-year-old son, Jake. While Hillary Clinton hasn’t clinched the presidency, she has made history by getting closer to the White House than any woman before her. Though she has been in the White House as First Lady, she was positioned alongside the president, rather than at the helm of leadership. This distinction is important to me because I want my daughters to understand that, yes, a woman can aspire to and achieve the presidency.
As a father, I want my girls to believe that anything is within their reach. When I tell them, “You could be the next president if you wanted to,” I want them to see that it’s a real possibility, not just a far-fetched dream. I want them to feel empowered to pursue their ambitions without the barriers of outdated gender roles or stereotypes.
It’s vital for me that my daughters grow up knowing they have the same opportunities as anyone else. I want them to see that women can conquer space, serve on the Supreme Court, and hold the highest office in the United States. I also want my son to recognize this too. At nine, he should understand that he has a role in supporting his future partner’s ambitions, just as she will support his. Whether his future wife chooses to be a stay-at-home mom or the next president, he should value her dreams as much as his own.
In today’s world, we are fortunate to be in an age where women are as educated and capable as men. It’s essential for this to reflect in our political sphere. My hope is that I can turn to Mia and Lily and say, “Look, she did it. So can you.” As a white male, I know I don’t experience the same barriers that others do. I’ve never had to gaze at a lineup of leaders and feel excluded. But now that I have daughters, I view things differently.
I see the intelligence and potential in my girls, and I want them to recognize it too. I don’t want them to grow up feeling that their gender limits their aspirations. They should feel capable of taking the lead and pursuing any path they choose. They may not grasp political concepts just yet, but regardless of your opinion on Hillary Clinton as a candidate, she has achieved something unprecedented for women in America, and I’m genuinely pleased to witness that. Her journey allows me to tell Jake, “Women can lead just as effectively as you can. Always respect that.” And for my daughters, I can confidently say, “She did it. So can you.”
If you’re interested in related topics, check out this article for more insights on home insemination.
In summary, as a father of two daughters, Hillary Clinton’s achievements inspire me to instill hope and ambition in them. I want to pave a way for them to see a world without limitations based on gender, allowing them to pursue their dreams fearlessly.