Whether you’d like to admit it or not, our world is dominated by gender stereotypes. This applies to all ages, from kids in a toy store to adults in the work force. Anyone can witness this by simply walking into Toys ‘R’ Us and seeing the pink aisles filled with dolls and kitchen sets in contrast to the blue aisles filled with super heroes and Matchbox cars. Most people would brush this off as a non-issue. Obviously girls are going to play with barbies while boys play with action figures, right? I beg to differ. From a young age, girls are taught their “rightful place” in society. They’re told that they’re inferior when someone says not to “act like a girl” as if being a girl deems you insufficient in one way or another.

Furthermore, we see this more seriously as adults. Sexism ranges through a variety of issues, especially visible through unequal pay and promotions. Women are inadvertently criticized and pushed to the side. They’re called bossy and difficult when taking initiative in the workplace, when doing the same things for which men are praised. I understand that most people don’t consciously look at women as the lesser gender, yet we continually to live in a patriarchal world.

So, where does Hillary Clinton come into all this? I believe it is important for young girls growing up to see a strong woman in power, a woman who they can aspire to be. They deserve to have the same role models that all boys have. I want my future daughter to know she can be anything she wants to be, whether that’s the President of the United States or not. I don’t want her growing up believing some jobs are for men and others for women. I hope she knows she can play with dolls or race cars. We learn best by example. What you grow up seeing is what you will believe and follow to do. I want my daughter to be whoever she wants to be.

While someone’s gender should not be the all-encompassing factor when voting, I think it deserves some thought. I’ve heard people say that true feminism means being blind to gender. I disagree. Eventually, paying no attention to gender would be ideal. However, today gender does matter. It should not be forgotten that a woman has not been president and that is not okay. In a country where the majority are women, we are incredibly underrepresented. We truly have the opportunity to change the course of history. A female president will not eliminate all sexism in the world, but it’s a damn good start. Hillary Clinton can change how girls see themselves growing up and show the next generation that girls and boys alike are capable of absolutely anything, unbounded by gender stereotypes. The possibilities of their future are endless.

Therefore, Hillary Clinton has my vote this election. Not only is she easily the most qualified and experienced candidate, but we have an opportunity to make history. I often hear democrats say she’s not progressive enough. Call me crazy, but the first female president seems pretty progressive to me. As we enter this primary season and, later, the general election, consider the great honor of voting and what exactly this privilege is. Vote for your future daughter.

#imwithher