Hillary Clinton might be breaking the “highest, hardest glass ceiling” according to First Lady Michelle Obama, and be the first woman nominee for president—but is the country really ready?
This past week as the Democratic National Convention took place in Philadelphia, Facebook timelines across the country became cluttered with #DemsinPhilly as people flocked to their social media accounts to pour out their opinions and problems with the party and convention.
President Bill Clinton closed the convention on Tuesday, July 26th with a speech of tales and stories of his life with Hillary, the way she made him work for her hand in marriage, and how she has never stopped amazing him with her dedication and passion for helping others. It was meant to be a true testament to her character, in light of her email scandal that has left many doubting Clinton’s integrity and honesty.
Yet after Hillary Clinton “made history” and officially took the Democratic nomination for Presidency, the newspapers on Wednesday morning had headlines that read “With Nomination, Clinton Makes History” and “Clinton Shatters last political glass ceiling” but every picture was not of Clinton herself, but of everyone else around her.
People took to Twitter and Facebook to express their disappointment, and outrage over the countless newspaper covers that talked about Hillary making history but didn’t share her photo. Instead Hillary supporters, Bill Clinton and even Bernie Sanders made the front page.
For decades, women have struggled to gain basic rights and privileges, and fought to have control over their bodies and choices, and in the political field women are still fighting for an equal playing field. Hillary Clinton has been at the forefront of the political movement towards having a woman as President since she first ran against Barack Obama in 2008. Since then, Clinton has served as a New York State Senator and Secretary of States to President Obama.
The Democratic National Convention highlighted the importance and significance of Clinton’s nomination and the trials she had gone through to get to where she is. It was meant to serve as a time to remind people why Clinton is the clear choice over her rival Donald Trump, and how although she is the first woman nominee, she is as equally prepared and experienced as her male counterparts.
Although at this point in history, a woman shouldn’t need to be propped up and shown that she is “equal” to her male counterparts—Hillary Clinton has had to do it countless times during her time in President Obama’s cabinet, and on the campaign trail as well. Clinton has taken heat for things that male politicians would have breezed through easily, which can be directly attributed to the fact that she is the first woman who has crossed over this political line.
Although talk show hosts, celebrities and voters claim that the world is ready for a woman president—actions are not backing up these promises. The press is the free voice of the people, yet even they failed to place Clinton as the leading face on the front page. Although she was the person who won the nomination, the men surrounding her took the leading spotlight once again, in the eyes of the American people.
