When I finished law school, I joined a prominent law firm as an associate. The work was often mundane, and the hours stretched long, yet I genuinely appreciated my colleagues. There was one partner, a successful woman, who somehow rubbed me the wrong way. I barely knew her and had only collaborated with her on a couple of projects, but she came across as distant, brusque, and a bit intimidating. She had always been fair and respectful in our interactions, but for some reason, my gut instinct told me I shouldn’t like her.
Similarly, I had that same gut feeling about Hillary Clinton. As a Democrat, I didn’t have substantive political objections to her, but there was an intangible quality about her that left me uneasy. She appeared overly ambitious, aggressive, and unapproachable. I didn’t invest much time in evaluating the various claims against her or her accomplishments; I was influenced by the media portrayal and the opinions of those around me, which made me feel apprehensive. Once again, my gut was telling me to steer clear.
Over time, I came to a realization: my instincts were misguided and naive. It wasn’t an instant epiphany, but more of a gradual awakening — like trying to rise early when it’s still dark and wanting to stay nestled in bed. I began to grapple with how, as an open-minded and ambitious woman, I could be so easily swayed by sexism. I thought, surely my feelings were justified; they couldn’t possibly stem from prejudice. But was I wrong?
The truth is, we all fall prey to the societal norms that perpetuate sexism. We don’t grow up in isolation; our surroundings influence us deeply. Just as someone who doesn’t smoke might still carry the scent of cigarettes after being around smokers, we too are shaped by the sexist culture that has persisted for generations. Denying this influence is akin to pretending there’s no odor while pinching our noses.
I became aware of the ways my perceptions of women had been distorted over the years. Born in the late 1970s, I sat between the bold Gen Xers and the optimistic Millennials, often oblivious to the struggles faced by those who fought hard to climb the ladder and shatter the glass ceiling.
This gradual but uncomfortable realization shifted my perspective on women like Hillary Clinton and that partner at the law firm. The issue wasn’t them; it was me. It was us.
“I just don’t like her,” I often hear from people. Yet, when pressed for a reason, they can’t articulate one or resort to tired phrases about emails or Benghazi, even though those topics have been thoroughly examined. Hillary has demonstrated time and again that she is capable and committed to public service. She played a significant role in establishing the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which assists families in need, and she has been pivotal in numerous legislative initiatives. As a U.S. Senator, she secured $21 billion for the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site and advocated for essential healthcare for first responders. As Secretary of State, she visited 112 countries, championed global economic issues, and introduced programs aimed at fighting hunger and enhancing food security.
Yet we still focus on trivial matters like her choice of pantsuits or her facial expressions. Enough already.
In recent months, I haven’t just come to accept Hillary; I’ve grown to genuinely appreciate her. After hearing her speak at a recent event, I felt even more convinced that she is the right person to lead our country forward. Of course, she’s not perfect — who is? Every public figure has their share of controversies and imperfections. But in her case, these do not overshadow her many strengths.
She is a unifier, a voice for those often unheard, and an advocate for the underdog. Hillary is authentic, inspiring, and relatable. If she were a man or had a different last name, we would likely admire her wholeheartedly. The problem lies not with her but with our perceptions.
We face issues of sexism, idolization of celebrities, and a fear masked as hatred. Until we confront these issues individually and collectively, we will continue to breathe in toxic air, insisting it’s not a problem.
So, if your feelings about Hillary are simply “I just don’t like her,” it’s time to dig deeper. Reflect, research, and ask yourself why you feel that way. Women — not just Hillary, but all women — are held to impossible standards. We can’t be too serious, or we’re labeled as unfriendly. Yet, if we reveal emotions, we risk being called “dramatic.” Ambitious women are scrutinized for neglecting their families, while those who prioritize family are seen as uncommitted professionals.
It’s a no-win situation, and we must recognize that men aren’t solely responsible for perpetuating these double standards. We are all part of the problem and can be part of the solution.
While I still hold differing views on some of Hillary’s policies, I firmly believe she is the most qualified candidate in this election. She’s genuine, compassionate, and thoughtful. We don’t need to like every aspect of a president — they don’t have to be our friend. They are our leader, and we need to align with their vision for progress.
I may have preferred another candidate earlier, but in the current landscape, Hillary is the choice we need to make to avert a disastrous outcome. The stakes are too high. I may not have supported Hillary in 2008 or the spring of 2016, but I am proud to say I stand with her now.
If you’re still hesitant about Hillary, it’s not her fault; it’s yours. If that orange individual running against her secures the presidency because you couldn’t let go of your “issues” with Hillary, you will bear some responsibility for the repercussions that will follow.
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In summary, we must recognize our biases and the societal influences that shape them. Hillary Clinton, despite her imperfections, remains a capable leader who can guide us toward a better future.