It seems like every time I scroll through Facebook, turn on the news, or even pick up an actual newspaper, the upcoming presidential election is everywhere. Normally, this would excite me as this is the first time I'll be able to vote in a presidential election and have the opportunity to do my civic duty and choose our next faithful leader. However, the reoccurring event that keeps upsetting me is the pressure from the media to vote for the alleged "first female candidate," Hillary Clinton, solely based on the fact that I'm a woman.
In countless articles, tweets, and Facebook rants, many are saying that just because I'm a woman and believe in equal woman's rights, that I should vote for Hillary Clinton. The idea to vote for Hillary because of the fact she is a woman indicates nothing short of why I should vote for her; it shows that those who vote for her based on her gender are uneducated voters that do not have the nation's best ideal in mind. Why are people so adamant of my vote being for her just because of my gender? Why isn't it about what's best for the country?
For years and years, critics of the American government have said that America needs a female president because it's sexist that the only presidents have been men. Well, in my opinion, it's sexist that these same critics are telling me to vote for Hillary Clinton solely based on her gender. What about her political stance? Do I agree with what she wants to do for my country? Do I agree with her values? Solely basing my vote based on gender is no different than someone voting for someone based on the fact that they have a certain hair color that I like. It makes no sense.
I'm sure some women will disagree with me. They'll say that I'm only 21, and that I don't understand the struggle women have been through to get where we are today. Or I'll hear about how this was a taught behavior and my family drilled into my head that only men should be president, especially because I'm from a white conservative family. These words aren't fair to me either. I have done research. I have read both Hillary Clinton's and her opponents' stances and plans. My family has given me advice, but they do not influence my choices, unlike those shoving this idea of voting for Hillary Clinton just because I'm a woman.
I'm not sure who I'll vote for by the time November rolls around, there's still quite a bit of time for me to decide. But one thing is for certain, I will base my vote on more than my gender. My vote will come from what I believe is the best thing for my country, nothing more, and nothing less.
