Over the past week, the media and politicians have critiqued female supporters of both Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton for not being feminists, turning debates about feminism into issues of sexism. Sexism, like racism, classism, extremism and the long list that follows, will not disappear in the near future — or ever. As the presidential primary takes off and the respective parties decide their platforms, it is important to recognize the persistent hypocrisy regarding issues that exists within the parties themselves.
For example, the Democratic Party fails to recognize that a critique of Hillary Clinton’s outfit at a debate is an example of regressive sexism. The content and caliber of her ideas is relegated to backstage. A quick Google search of “Hillary Clinton’s debate outfit” pulls up a list of articles providing ample analysis of her wardrobe. In contrast, a Google search of “Bernie Sanders’ debate outfit” pulls up debate blogs and articles first, and then an article on his clothing aesthetic. Even if Secretary Clinton has committed some post-Labor-Day-no-white-pants fashion faux pas, it is inconsequential in a presidential primary. The focus should be, and needs to be, the policy platforms of the candidates. We are not Fashion Week spectators.
At the same time, the media scrutinizes the wardrobe and dress choices of Secretary Clinton, the media and fellow voters are also scrutinizing women who have elected to vote for either Sanders or Clinton. In the past week, feminist Gloria Steinem, and first female Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, have criticized women who are supporting Bernie Sanders.
As Steinem proclaimed last week, “The boys are with Bernie.” Perhaps some boys are with Bernie, but some boys are also with Clinton. A woman should be able to vote, sans judgment, for whichever candidate she prefers. A woman may not vote for Clinton because she disagrees with the views she represents. Or, she may not vote for Sanders because she believes that he does not sufficiently address women’s issues. Or, a woman might choose a particular candidate depending on their foreign policy, environmental policy, gun policy or on their ability to address race and class issues.
We have not pressured men to choose a candidate based on his gender and/or sex, so why is that the case with women? Sexism is alive and well in the “progressive” party. If Democrats want to criticize the Republican platform for a sexist mentality, they first need to acknowledge the current sexism within the Democratic Party.
Secretary Clinton’s wardrobe does not reflect her political platform! If Bernie Sanders’ suit reflected his political platform, the country would be in serious trouble. A woman who votes for Secretary Clinton probably is not voting for Clinton solely because she is a woman. Rather, she is exercising her right to cast a ballot for the candidate of her choice. A woman who votes for Sen. Sanders is not lacking in proper feminist ideals, or “finding the boys.” She to is allowed to express her political views in her choice of candidate. The Democratic Party currently professes to be progressive, particularly when it comes to eradicating sexism, and it is disappointing when Democrats scrutinize women for their autonomous political views or the clothes they wear. Instead, it should be the policy positions of the candidates, which holds their gaze.
