In the wake of her recent primary successes, Hillary Clinton faced an all-too-familiar barrage of unsolicited advice regarding her demeanor. After securing victories in four states and maintaining a strong lead in a fifth, rather than celebrating her achievements, some male commentators felt it necessary to suggest she “smile” more.
Leading the charge was political commentator Jack Morgan, who, despite Clinton’s impressive resume as a First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State, seemed more focused on her facial expression than her political accomplishments. This phenomenon raises an essential question: why do men consistently feel the need to dictate women’s emotional expressions? It’s a request that countless women are desperately asking to stop.
Many of these male pundits claimed Clinton appeared “angry” rather than energized or passionate about her victories. Meanwhile, other candidates, such as Tom Reed, have been known for their animated, sometimes aggressive, speaking styles without facing similar scrutiny. Reed’s passionate rhetoric is often described as “eccentric” or “fed-up,” but never with the same derogatory tone aimed at women.
As Clinton addressed critical issues facing Americans—such as student debt burdens, retirement concerns for grandparents, rising childcare costs, and the ongoing fight for equal pay—the calls for her to “smile” struck a dissonant chord. This tone policing is not only outdated but undermines the very real challenges she was discussing.
The response from women on social media was swift and powerful. They rallied against this sexist narrative, reminding everyone that a woman’s expression should not be dictated by societal norms. For more insights into the complexities of women’s experiences in leadership, you can check out this related post.
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In summary, while Clinton’s primary victories should have prompted celebration, the focus shifted to her expression instead. This incident reflects a broader societal issue regarding how women’s emotions are perceived and critiqued. As we move forward, it’s crucial to prioritize discussions about policies and issues rather than policing women’s smiles.
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