She Has Nothing To Be 'Sorry' For | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

She Has Nothing To Be 'Sorry' For

To Hillary Clinton, thank you for your elegant campaign. Thank you for reminding us that no matter who we are, we are valid.

23
She Has Nothing To Be 'Sorry' For
Aaron P. Bernstein

"To all the women, and especially the young women, who put their faith in this campaign and in me, I want you to know that nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion."


It's an absolute feat to win a party nomination in the presidential race, and the fact that we had our first female major party candidate in the history of the United States was meant to inspire courage in all of us. Because we, as females, were all once there: little girls with big hearts, dreaming of accomplishing the extraordinary. We learned to construct our lives around ourselves and our pursuits. And to have Hillary Clinton represent us as a symbol of power, guided by a hope for the future and a strong-willed persona, was something that was supposed to prove to us and our childhood selves that a woman really can be as influential as a man.

But instead, we have stumbled upon a truth that we've been trying so hard to suppress, to stifle in the hopes that we may be wrong.

And that truth is this: America still isn't ready to accept a female leader. India, Israel, the UK, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Pakistan, Germany, South Korea and many more, were all ready years ago to have a woman governing their country. But yet, the United States, which we so blatantly proclaim to be the most "progressive" country, proved to us again that sexism is much too deeply rooted in our country to allow a confident woman with 30 years of political experience become our president.

Clinton delivered her concession speech last Wednesday, wrapping up her campaign as graciously as she started it. Wearing a purple pantsuit, perhaps symbolizing the unity of the Democratic and Republican parties, the former nominee delivered an inspirational speech about her unwavering belief in the nation and belief in women, mainly young women, and their success.


(Photo: Melina Mara/The Washington Post)

As taken as I was with her empowering words, something didn't quite sit right. And that something was a line from her speech that I and countless other women have been unable to forget. Because it hits us a little too close to home.

"I’m sorry that we did not win this election."

Apologizing is something a woman learns to do from early in life, a sort of entry point into a basic affirmative sentence. Like it's polite for us to blame ourselves for matters beyond our control. Of course, this is true for men as well, but it seems to be a more prevalent stereotype in women. A candidate apologizing for a loss is practically unheard of in United States history. And yet here our first female nominee was, saying sorry to her supporters for letting them down. For not proving to them that she could make their dreams a reality. And most of all, for loosing to the face of racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, and more.

But in reality, Hillary Clinton has nothing to be sorry for. She carried her campaign with finesse despite her setbacks, confessed to her controversies, and presented herself as a worthy role model. She advocated for women and girls here and around the globe, she vowed that all sexualities and orientations were valid, she insisted that Black lives do matter, and she displayed respect for the role immigrants of all religions play in this American experiment of different societies all enmeshed into one.

So to Hillary Clinton, I sincerely thank you for your elegant campaign. Thank you for all of your efforts to make our voices heard and for fulfilling the responsibility to address the concerns of the developing generation.

Thank you for encouraging us with the words, "I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but someday someone will and hopefully sooner than we think right now. To all the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams."

Regardless of who won the election, this was a loss for our country. This was a brazen declaration to women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and disabled people that there are millions of Americans that couldn't care less about them. This is the reality of the country that we'll have to face for 4 years, but we will come back from it. Stronger than ever before, stronger together.

Regardless of the results of the election and what our society may pressure you to believe, your race, sexuality, gender, religion, and condition are valid and worthy of respect. You are worthy of respect.

All my love,

Krissy.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

10 Facts All People In A Large Family Can Confirm During The Holiday Season

The holiday season can be the best and most stressful time of the year, especially when more people are involved.

1350
kids jumping

The holidays are full of lights, sweets, sweaters, and your favorite movies. There's nothing quite like this period from the beginning of December through January. Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years. The fun of it all.

I don't know about you but with my large Italian family something is always going on during this season. It can be the most wonderful time of the year while also being the most hectic. These are a few things you know if your family is anything like mine during this time.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

4533
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

2790
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

202182
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments