Stereotypes Are So Last Season
There is a pretty fantastic article on Bloomberg.com about Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. In it, author Margaret Carlson delves into Clinton’s groundbreaking career, detailing the adversity she has overcome as well as her many accomplishments. “[Not only has] she endured,” the article states, “She has prevailed.”
Unfortunately, in a throwaway line at the beginning of the article, Ms. Carlson asks, “Will the blond flip and sunglasses be Hillary Clinton’s last fashion statement?”
Perhaps the line is referring to the internet meme called “Texts From Hillary,” which is mentioned later in the article.
Even if it’s a reference to the hilarious “Texts from Hillary” meme, there is no reason whatsoever to ask if her “blond flip and sunglasses” will be her “last fashion statement.” Discussing fashion and the woman who has put 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling immediately frames the issue using sexist imagery. Of course, no one would ever ponder if a male politician is going to leave a “fashion statement.” No, male politicians leave “legacies.” Well, being the most traveled Secretary of State in United States history is a legacy if I’ve ever heard one.
The rest of the article is a great take on the struggles and successes of one of the most influential women in politics, so it is disappointing that an otherwise insightful piece of writing falls victim to a sexist social structure in which female politicians’ careers are constantly discussed in terms of irrelevant stereotypes. It is essential that we continue to call out even the smallest cases of sexism until we reach a culture of complete parity for women.
Published by Kate McCarthy on 07/06/2012