When I finished law school, I found myself as a junior associate in a large firm. The work was dull, and the hours dragged on, but I genuinely enjoyed my colleagues. There was one partner, however, a highly accomplished woman, who just rubbed me the wrong way. I didn’t know her well—our interactions were brief—but she struck me as distant, a bit brusque, and, to be honest, a little intimidating. Although she had always been fair and professional, something in my gut told me I shouldn’t like her.
Similarly, I felt a strange aversion towards Hillary Clinton. As a Democrat, I didn’t disagree with her policies, but something about her made me uneasy. She appeared too assertive, ambitious, and, frankly, unapproachable. I didn’t take the time to delve into her record or the claims against her; instead, I absorbed the narratives spun by the media and those around me, which left me feeling apprehensive. Again, my instincts told me to steer clear.
Over time, I came to realize my gut instincts were misguided—like a naïve child clinging to a security blanket for far too long. It wasn’t a sudden epiphany; more like waking up before dawn and wishing to remain cozy in bed. The realization was slow and uncomfortable.
How could I, a liberal, progressive woman, be falling prey to the very sexism I thought I stood against? Surely, my dislike had merit; it couldn’t simply be a product of societal bias. Or could it?
The truth is, we all carry the weight of our environment, which is steeped in sexism. Just as a non-smoker might smell like smoke after being around a smoker, we too absorb the gender biases that have persisted for generations. To deny this is akin to pretending we don’t have a smell while holding our nose.
It became clear to me that I had been molded by a culture that dictates how women should behave—cute but not too cute, emotional but not overly so, and always less than their male counterparts. Growing up in the late 1970s, I was perched between the take-charge Gen Xers and the limitless Millennials; I couldn’t fully grasp the struggles faced by women who fought tirelessly to rise through the ranks.
This slow and often uncomfortable awakening shifted my perspective on women like Hillary Clinton and that partner at my law firm. The issue wasn’t them; it was me. The issue lies with all of us.
“I just don’t like her,” I hear from so many people. Yet when pressed for a reason, they fumble through vague responses about emails or Benghazi—issues that have long been settled. Hillary has consistently demonstrated her capabilities and commitment to public service, showing herself to be an incredibly qualified candidate. She played a critical role in establishing the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and has been an advocate for various significant legislative efforts. As a U.S. Senator, she secured $21 billion for the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site and worked tirelessly to ensure health care for first responders. As Secretary of State, she traveled to 112 countries, championed global economic initiatives, and oversaw free trade agreements.
Yet, here we are, fixating on her choice of pantsuits and whether she smiles enough. Seriously?
Over the past few months, my attitude towards Hillary has evolved from mere tolerance to genuine admiration. After attending a recent event, I’m more convinced than ever of her ability to lead our country forward. She is undoubtedly flawed, as are all public figures, but who isn’t? With decades of public service, it’s unrealistic to expect anyone to be without blemish.
What stands out about Hillary is her ability to connect—a bridge-builder and advocate for the marginalized, she embodies authenticity and approachability. If she were a man or had a different last name, I believe she would be celebrated rather than critiqued. That’s not her issue; it’s ours.
We have a problem with sexism, celebrity culture, and fear masquerading as apprehension. Until we confront these issues, both individually and collectively, we’ll continue to navigate through a fog of biases that we refuse to acknowledge.
If your feelings about Hillary are simply “I just don’t like her,” I challenge you to dig deeper. Explore your feelings, examine your beliefs, and see what lies beneath those surface-level reactions.
Women, including Hillary and many others, face an impossible double standard. Too serious? You’re labeled a “bitch.” Too emotional? You’re “dramatic.” Career-driven? You’re neglectful of your family. If you prioritize family, you’re seen as falling behind. We simply cannot win this game.
And let’s not pretend that men are solely responsible for these biases. We’re all part of the problem, and we can all contribute to the solution.
While I might still disagree with Hillary on some policy matters, she is undoubtedly the most qualified candidate in this election. It’s not necessary to like every aspect of a president; they’re not our friends or coworkers, but our leaders. We might not agree on everything, but we can align on most.
I may have preferred another candidate back in 2008 and earlier in 2016, but given the options now, Hillary is my choice. We don’t get to create our ideal candidate; we must choose the one who aligns closest with our values. Sometimes, we must select the candidate necessary to avert disaster.
Ultimately, we can’t afford to be anything less than supportive of her. The stakes are incredibly high. I may not have backed Hillary in the past, but I’m proud to say I’m in her corner now.
So, if you’re still hesitant about supporting Hillary, that’s your issue, not hers. If the alternative is an orange disaster of a candidate, your indecision could lead to consequences we’ll all have to face for years to come.
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Summary
The article reflects on the author’s initial aversion to Hillary Clinton and how it stemmed from ingrained societal biases against women. It explores the complexity of sexism and the double standards women face, ultimately leading to a newfound appreciation for Clinton’s qualifications and leadership. The writer emphasizes the importance of examining personal biases and supporting qualified candidates, regardless of personal feelings.