I don’t often voice my fears, but today, I find myself overwhelmed. As a physician, I am deeply concerned—not just for my own wellbeing but for the safety of my family, my friends, and my patients. I think about my husband who commutes daily to a city that has seen its fair share of violence. I worry for my diverse circle of friends: my LGBTQ friends, my black friends, my Latino friends, my Asian friends, and my white friends. I think about my Christian and Muslim friends, as well as my Jewish and agnostic friends. My concerns extend to every American, and indeed, every human being on this planet.
Yet, my greatest worry is for my daughter. It may sound selfish, but that’s the nature of motherhood. We constantly fret over the lives our children will lead. Right now, she’s okay; she has food, clothing, shelter, and a plethora of toys scattered throughout our home. But with each passing day, I’m haunted by the question: what kind of world will she grow up in?
If she inherits my strong will and independence, she might face harsh criticism. A successful woman often finds herself labeled derogatorily, just as I have witnessed with public figures like Eve Ensler and Katie Couric. Women like Elizabeth Warren and Hillary Clinton have faced similar scrutiny. I know you might think I’m exaggerating, but the reality is, this happens regularly.
When the 2016 election cycle began, it became painfully clear how women continue to be marginalized. Remarks made by candidates revealed a disturbing trend of sexist commentary that belittles women. For example, Donald Trump once questioned Hillary Clinton’s ability to lead by implying that if she couldn’t satisfy her husband, she certainly couldn’t satisfy the nation. Other candidates chimed in with their own disparaging remarks, further normalizing the idea that a woman’s worth is tied to her gender rather than her capabilities.
As a mother, I grapple with how to empower my daughter in a society that still measures women’s worth in the most demeaning ways. How do I raise her in an environment where her gender could be weaponized against her?
Before you critique my political stance, understand this: I was a supporter of Senator Sanders and still stand by many of his beliefs. I refuse to hide that fact. However, I also recognize that the way society speaks about women—including Hillary Clinton—is harmful. It’s damaging not just to individuals but to our culture as a whole. While Clinton may not have been my first choice, she is now my only option because I care deeply about my daughter and women’s rights.
You might want me to apologize for being outspoken or for expressing my views passionately, but I’m not going to. I refuse to be silenced, and I will continue using my voice and my vote. This is my America as much as it is anyone else’s, and I will not tolerate personal, political, racial, or sexist attacks that undermine our collective dignity.
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In summary, my fears as a mother and a physician are rooted in the societal challenges that women face. I may not have supported the same candidate initially, but I recognize the importance of standing together for women’s rights and empowerment.