Watching Monday's debate was a similar experience to watching a reality TV show: the amount of drama and name-calling was quite appalling and the avoidance of actually answering the questions asked was even more disheartening. However, there was a specific moment in the debate where I felt personally hurt. Donald Trump was asked to clarify his statement said earlier this month about Secretary Clinton, saying she does not have the "look" to be President. Not only did he defend this statement but he also added that Secretary Clinton does not have the "stamina" to lead our country. Some may defend this claim, saying that Trump was simply questioning her health, but I believe that this comment was based on his idea that women are weak in comparison to men.
This article is not intended to defend the legacy that Hillary Clinton has established for herself, because as many others, I do believe there are problems with aspects of her political past and her platform. However, it is very difficult for me to understand how a woman who has been involved in politics for over 30 years, has been brutalized by the media, and has seen every side of the political atmosphere would be less capable of leading our country than a man who frankly has zero political experience. And I feel hurt. I feel as though Donald Trump was not only throwing a jab at Secretary Clinton, but also the thousands of women who were watching the debate that night. I felt as though I was reminded that no matter what I accomplish and no matter what I do to prove myself, the world will always view me as small and weak. I am very tired of hearing criticism about Hillary Clinton when it pertains to things unrelated to her job - her appearance, her martial status, her health, or any other small nuance to delegitimize her. I welcome anyone to criticize her for political legacy, because it is by no means a perfect one. However it is hard to hear as a woman the unfair standards we apply not only to her but female figures as a whole. I am fearful of the moment when I put myself on a platform to be evaluated and all I'm judged on is my external image. I am fearful that the legacy I create for myself will be illustrated by the way I look or by other superficial details rather than my impact on the world or my character. I want to lead and I want to change the world, but I'm afraid I won't be able to do so without being interrupted 72 times. And what do I do if I don't have the stamina to handle this constant criticism and disrespect? What if I give up before I'm truly given a chance to prove myself and only prove to the world that I'm not strong enough? What if I fall victim to this system that wants me to fail and resort to just being something small?
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I don’t know. I don’t know how to change a system that condemns me for not smiling enough or not looking a part or not doing enough to prove that I’m just as good as one of the guys. But I do know this when it comes to Secretary Clinton, she not only has the stamina, but the intelligence, the charisma, and the experience to lead our country. Trump may have the support of a portion of the American population who believe that women are not capable to lead, but hopefully the rest of American public can see that not only Clinton, but many other woman have the stamina to lead and make an impact on this world.
