I was really busy for the last two days.
Well I turned in all 25 pages of paper today. Good god. That is the most I have ever written in my life. 25 pages in 2 days. Wow. I am so beat. I got 3.5 hours of sleep, because I could not stand to stay up all night. As a result, I had to spend every extra moment, and skip two of my classes today to get the 2 papers finished. The Southern Women paper is really bad, but the Women and Politics paper is better. I'm proud of that paper. Imagine.....a 15 page paper. Yeah, holy fuck, right? you know what? good idea....fuckers....read it, bitches...or don't....just don't plaigirize. But anyway, I have 3 more feminist theory assignments that are due for tomorrow. I shall not do them right now. I refuse. Go ahead. Learn something---------I shall cut some out. I'll only leave the good parts.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hillary Rodham Clinton: The Feminist, The Strategist, The Future President
When asked who will be the first female president, many Americans optimistically point towards women who are well liked in the competitive realm of politics. Political participants expect their candidate to be well versed in public speech, moral, and law abiding, but most of all, prolific. A candidate must have a solid backing from their political party, and be favored by the opposing sides of the political spectrum. Hillary Rodham Clinton is favored among the liberal citizens of America, because she is a strong woman with first hand experience in the White House. No previous candidate has run under this unique prospective. Since the typical First Lady is viewed as dainty, gentle mannered, and subservient to her husband, it takes a powerful woman to rise above traditional feminine stereotypes and expectations.
True to her assertive nature, Hillary Rodham Clinton never relied on her gender for privilege or compensation. After obtaining her law degree from Yale University, she began working full-time as a lawyer, while Bill Clinton climbed the ranks of prestigious leadership in the state of Arkansas. By the time Bill commenced his presidential campaign, Hillary already had quite the notorious reputation. In her “Living History”, she reveals, “While Bill talked about social change, I embodied it. I had my own opinions, interests and profession. For better or worse, I was outspoken. I represented a fundamental change in the way women functioned in our society.” (Clinton, Living Hist 110) Women, who reject the social construction of gender roles in our society, are criticized for their independence. Hillary described the acclimation of her ascension into the White House as having “worked full-time during my marriage to Bill and valued the independence and identity that work provided. Now I was solely “the wife of,” an odd experience for me.” (Clinton, Living Hist 111) This loss of identity was especially difficult for Hillary whose presence was very individual.
The concept of having a “First Lady” is problematic in traditional and contemporary views of how much influence a woman should be allowed. The traditionalist would be appalled at the opportunity for a woman to be highly publicized. While the First Lady is expected to be welcoming and cordial, she is also violating the constructed rules of human intelligence. As the president’s wife, the First Lady acts as the President’s confidential advisor. This means that the man ruling our country is potentially taking advice from an inferior woman! It is clear and apparent how the concept of a First Lady is so problematic. The woman in this role may know how to set a table or produce a mega-watt smile, but can she cook? As a First Lady, cooking is not a primary concern. The White House hires world-renowned chefs to serve food to the President and his colleagues. In addition to the failure to prepare well-balanced meals for her husband, the First Lady is also not expected to clean. There are maids who relieve her of this necessary burden. What a bastardization of traditional women’s roles in society. A woman is thrust into the public spotlight, is not required to perform many of her expected feminine tasks, and is then used as a role model of womankind for the prosperity of the United States. Does she expect to one day reverse the roles of women in our country entirely? This could lead to such horrifying realities as female cabinet members, female secretaries of state, and even worse, females as president.
Another issue of transformation concerning the senator is her obvious shift from the far left to the middle of the political spectrum. To solid liberals, this shift is definitely problematic. She has shifted so far towards the right wing that some of her stances on issues seem awfully conservative. This swing is not by accident, however. American politics in generally has become a despicable game of which candidate can please the most voters while remaining attached to their party affiliation by just a thread. Surprisingly, compared to other democrats, Hillary would be considered an extreme leftist. The fact that she still identifies herself as prochoice, and is in favor of universal health care is impressive. Although she is compromising her internal values, Hillary is pleasing the general public, which is how she will continue to stay senator of the populous states of New York.
The Iraqi War was the premier issue of last year’s presidential election. The candidates ignored most of the other issues that could have impressed voters. Clinton’s standpoint on the war in Iraq is especially disturbing when she attempts to call herself a liberal. Her plan for resolving the Iraqi War is to completely finish the job. She shares this viewpoint with none other than George W. Bush. This is one of her few political moves that cannot possibly be benefit to her campaign. It is clear that she was advised to choose a side and stay firm with it. No one would be foolish enough to make the public relations mistake that John Kerry did. The American public portrayed Kerry’s switch from the wrong decision to the correct as a flaw in his character. These Americans chose reelected their president, because he did not leave his opinions ambivalent. The swing voters of our country follow the confident person.
The next issue for Senator Clinton is to accurately gage how well the general public would respond to her possible bid for presidency. The reality of a woman running for president is different from the possibility of a woman running for president. This situation is similar to the liberal view on communism. Many report communism as a suitable method of government in theory, but presume that America will never be ready for such a change. If this same logic is applied to American female presidency, then it may not get accomplished in the next presidential election. Hillary has the popularity to be chosen at the Democratic candidate during the primary, but the test will be subject to the American public. Are Americans tired of conservatism or just George W. Bush? Will Clinton be viewed as moderate enough to sway the fence riders? The future awaits Hillary Rodham Clinton and the many women who have pushed for women’s rights during the last century. If a woman becomes president, America will be forced to change its patriarchal ways. No longer will women be judged solely by their outward appearance. As ludicrous as it is, Hillary’s appearance has even been the victim of superficial criticism that is only applicable to women in our society. If Clinton does become president, will there be massive panic over what to call her husband? America may not be ready for these potential dramatic shifts. However, just because America is not fully matured, does not mean that female presidency should not happen.
Hillary Rodham Clinton: The Feminist, The Strategist, The Future President
When asked who will be the first female president, many Americans optimistically point towards women who are well liked in the competitive realm of politics. Political participants expect their candidate to be well versed in public speech, moral, and law abiding, but most of all, prolific. A candidate must have a solid backing from their political party, and be favored by the opposing sides of the political spectrum. Hillary Rodham Clinton is favored among the liberal citizens of America, because she is a strong woman with first hand experience in the White House. No previous candidate has run under this unique prospective. Since the typical First Lady is viewed as dainty, gentle mannered, and subservient to her husband, it takes a powerful woman to rise above traditional feminine stereotypes and expectations.
True to her assertive nature, Hillary Rodham Clinton never relied on her gender for privilege or compensation. After obtaining her law degree from Yale University, she began working full-time as a lawyer, while Bill Clinton climbed the ranks of prestigious leadership in the state of Arkansas. By the time Bill commenced his presidential campaign, Hillary already had quite the notorious reputation. In her “Living History”, she reveals, “While Bill talked about social change, I embodied it. I had my own opinions, interests and profession. For better or worse, I was outspoken. I represented a fundamental change in the way women functioned in our society.” (Clinton, Living Hist 110) Women, who reject the social construction of gender roles in our society, are criticized for their independence. Hillary described the acclimation of her ascension into the White House as having “worked full-time during my marriage to Bill and valued the independence and identity that work provided. Now I was solely “the wife of,” an odd experience for me.” (Clinton, Living Hist 111) This loss of identity was especially difficult for Hillary whose presence was very individual.
The concept of having a “First Lady” is problematic in traditional and contemporary views of how much influence a woman should be allowed. The traditionalist would be appalled at the opportunity for a woman to be highly publicized. While the First Lady is expected to be welcoming and cordial, she is also violating the constructed rules of human intelligence. As the president’s wife, the First Lady acts as the President’s confidential advisor. This means that the man ruling our country is potentially taking advice from an inferior woman! It is clear and apparent how the concept of a First Lady is so problematic. The woman in this role may know how to set a table or produce a mega-watt smile, but can she cook? As a First Lady, cooking is not a primary concern. The White House hires world-renowned chefs to serve food to the President and his colleagues. In addition to the failure to prepare well-balanced meals for her husband, the First Lady is also not expected to clean. There are maids who relieve her of this necessary burden. What a bastardization of traditional women’s roles in society. A woman is thrust into the public spotlight, is not required to perform many of her expected feminine tasks, and is then used as a role model of womankind for the prosperity of the United States. Does she expect to one day reverse the roles of women in our country entirely? This could lead to such horrifying realities as female cabinet members, female secretaries of state, and even worse, females as president.
Another issue of transformation concerning the senator is her obvious shift from the far left to the middle of the political spectrum. To solid liberals, this shift is definitely problematic. She has shifted so far towards the right wing that some of her stances on issues seem awfully conservative. This swing is not by accident, however. American politics in generally has become a despicable game of which candidate can please the most voters while remaining attached to their party affiliation by just a thread. Surprisingly, compared to other democrats, Hillary would be considered an extreme leftist. The fact that she still identifies herself as prochoice, and is in favor of universal health care is impressive. Although she is compromising her internal values, Hillary is pleasing the general public, which is how she will continue to stay senator of the populous states of New York.
The Iraqi War was the premier issue of last year’s presidential election. The candidates ignored most of the other issues that could have impressed voters. Clinton’s standpoint on the war in Iraq is especially disturbing when she attempts to call herself a liberal. Her plan for resolving the Iraqi War is to completely finish the job. She shares this viewpoint with none other than George W. Bush. This is one of her few political moves that cannot possibly be benefit to her campaign. It is clear that she was advised to choose a side and stay firm with it. No one would be foolish enough to make the public relations mistake that John Kerry did. The American public portrayed Kerry’s switch from the wrong decision to the correct as a flaw in his character. These Americans chose reelected their president, because he did not leave his opinions ambivalent. The swing voters of our country follow the confident person.
The next issue for Senator Clinton is to accurately gage how well the general public would respond to her possible bid for presidency. The reality of a woman running for president is different from the possibility of a woman running for president. This situation is similar to the liberal view on communism. Many report communism as a suitable method of government in theory, but presume that America will never be ready for such a change. If this same logic is applied to American female presidency, then it may not get accomplished in the next presidential election. Hillary has the popularity to be chosen at the Democratic candidate during the primary, but the test will be subject to the American public. Are Americans tired of conservatism or just George W. Bush? Will Clinton be viewed as moderate enough to sway the fence riders? The future awaits Hillary Rodham Clinton and the many women who have pushed for women’s rights during the last century. If a woman becomes president, America will be forced to change its patriarchal ways. No longer will women be judged solely by their outward appearance. As ludicrous as it is, Hillary’s appearance has even been the victim of superficial criticism that is only applicable to women in our society. If Clinton does become president, will there be massive panic over what to call her husband? America may not be ready for these potential dramatic shifts. However, just because America is not fully matured, does not mean that female presidency should not happen.