sexism: n. Prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination, typically against women, on the basis of sex.
misogyny: n. Hatred or dislike of, or prejudice against, women.
When Hillary Clinton had to leave a 9/11 memorial for “overheating,” the media was correct to report it. But when news came that she was, in fact, suffering from pneumonia, a frenzy began. Not surprisingly, Donald Trump seized on the news, raising questions about his opponent's health and stamina. The media and pollsters took his lead, soon asking voters whether or not Clinton’s health and stamina should be considered factors—most said yes. Consequently, she took her biggest hit in the polls up to that point. (Lost in the fervor: After quietly being diagnosed with pneumonia, Hillary continued campaigning for several days.) Later, when Trump partially released his health records (on Dr. Oz, no less), it was revealed he weighed over 230 lbs., which technically made him obese at his height. He also disclosed that he did not exercise regularly, took medication for high cholesterol, and consumed a steady diet of fast food. However, unlike Clinton, there was little scrutiny of Trump’s overall health. Certainly, his stamina was never really questioned. To Clinton supporters, this was another example of what they consider her biggest obstacle with voters: that she’s a woman. Admittedly, Clinton came with more baggage than the typical presidential candidate, but she was also one of the most qualified to ever seek the office. Nonetheless, Clinton was the target of vitriol the likes of which we’d never seen in American politics. For example, a majority of Americans were content to label her both a liar and untrustworthy, despite political fact-checkers saying otherwise. Criticism of Clinton was so intense that even her voice was criticized. She took fire from the left, too. Bernie Sander's supporters often chanted that Clinton was a "whore" and threw dollar bills at her (They claim it was not misogynistic, but because Clinton was beholden to Wall Street). From the right, she was also routinely disparaged as “entitled” and “smug”—both charges rarely lobbed at male politicians. From Republican chants of “Lock her up!” at their national convention to the “Trump that bitch” refrain popular on pro-Trump signs and shirts, opposition to Clinton went far beyond disagreements over policy. For many who opposed Clinton, it wasn't about her policies, anyway—it was about her.
Using at least two of the articles below (as well as one of your own), critically analyze the degree to which the opposition to Hillary Clinton was rooted in sexism and misogyny.
Choose two of the following in your analysis:
- “Opinion: Hillary Clinton Lost Because of Sexism” (CNN)
- "A Boy at a Trump Rally Called Clinton a ‘Bitch.’ That’s Not an Accident.” (Think Progress)
- "America's Profound Gender Anxiety" (Atlantic)
- "Study: Sexism a Powerful Predictor for Some Trump Voters" (University of Florida)
- “Does Hillary Clinton Face a Different Standard for Honesty?” (Washington Post)
- “For the Love of God, Let Hillary Have a Bit of Cake” (Jezebel)
- “The Sexist Double Standards Hurting Hillary Clinton” (Washington Post)
- “Why All the Hillary Haters?” (Sacramento Bee)
- “Why Would Anyone Call Hillary a Bitch?” (TheBroadSide)
Required:
- MLA Style
- Works cited page
- Approximately 750 words
Due: Wed 3.21/Thu 3.22
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