Our nation is currently watching a historical presidential campaign unfold before our eyes. Regardless if you are Democrat or Republican, Hillary Clinton's rise to become the Democrat presidential nominee is an inspiration to all women. Today's children, and our future children, will never question if a woman can lead our country. Girls across our nation have witnessed the breaking of the highest glass ceiling.
"When there are no ceilings, the sky's the limit." - Hillary Clinton
With new territory, though, comes unprecedented and sensitive situations. Not only can this coming election bring us our first woman president, but our first "First Gentleman." By taking on this position, Bill Clinton would define the role for future First Gentlemen. Just like the position of First Lady, the role of the president's spouse is not written in stone or defined by an exact set of guidelines. Even so, the American public has held all First Ladies to an extremely high, feminine standard. The big question is, will they hold a man to those same standards or will they masculinize the role?
My guess is it will be the latter. Just like any other position dominated by women, a man in the same position is likely to take a ride in the glass elevator. Bill, however, is not our ideal prototype. He holds political experience far superior to any other president's spouse because, well, he was president. Even so, Bill may be able to create a reasonable precedent for future, less qualified First Gentlemen.
What I am most curious about, though, is what effect this would have on the role of our future First Ladies. Our society has moved far beyond the traditional gender roles husbands and wives used to hold. I think it's fair to say the role of First Lady is in need of an upgrade. I've compiled a list of my most pressing questions in hopes of creating a discussion regarding how we can remove gender from such a traditional role in the opportunity of unprecedented times.
What is the traditional role of the First Lady?
I think it's important we first establish what this role already entails before we try to reinvent it. The First Lady has an unelected and unpaid job. She works hard to uphold a feminine appearance that pleases the public and is often responsible for setting fashion trends. She is also supposed to have superb taste in home design and be a specialist in entertaining guests.
Over time, the role of the First Lady has been redefined by each successor. Many became advocates for specific causes such as education, the environment, women's rights, addiction, childhood obesity and the like. It is often believed the First Lady has an influence on her husband, which has led to some critiques. Sometimes they're critiqued for doing too much and over-stepping their boundaries, other times for not doing enough to advocate for the American people. Overall, the First Lady has always been an extension of her husband's administration and a middle man to Americans.
What would be the role of our First Gentleman?
Bill Clinton would obviously be an unusual First Gentleman considering his experience. Hillary has said she would most likely put Bill in charge of economic growth and job creation since that is what he succeeded at during his own presidency.
While Bill is more than qualified to be a part of Hillary's administration, it doesn't seem like she wants to give him a large role, and I think that's a smart move. As our first woman president, Hillary cannot lean on Bill to help her lead our country. Critics will jump on any chance to say she is unfit to be president, and there will be some people out there who attribute it to her being a woman. It is crucial she finds a position that doesn't insult Bill's qualifications but also doesn't overshadow her own. It would be an odd situation that would require an adjustment period until the right balance is achieved.
Who would take care of traditional First Lady roles if the First Gentleman didn't?
When past presidents were widowers or bachelors, they usually gave the role of First Lady to someone they trusted, such as a family member or friend. In Hillary's case, it's most likely the responsibilities would be given to Chelsea, her daughter, or they'd be outsourced as a paid position.
I have three issues with those possible situations. Filling the role with another woman would do nothing to reduce the gendered stereotypes of the role, especially if Chelsea is unpaid for it, which brings me to my second issue. Outsourcing it as a paid position is an insult to all First Ladies. It means it's only worth payment when there isn't a president's wife there to do it in the first place. Lastly, if the role isn't good enough for a man, why should a woman have to do it? I'm not sure this role is even necessary anymore. The White House staff is more than capable of taking on these responsibilities.
What would this role entail for a non-political First Gentleman?
This one is mere speculation, but I can guarantee you he will not pick out china patterns or host dinner parties. Every First Lady and her family has uprooted their lives to move to the White House. They sacrifice a lot, whether it's moving away from family and friends or giving up a high paying, prestigious job. But would a First Gentleman be asked to give up his career for his wife?
We don't have an answer to that question, but we do know that society does not like to see a wife be the bread-winner. It's emasculating to her husband. I'm sure any First Gentlemen to come will be the butt of jokes when it comes to their masculinity. A man doing work for free, and domestic work at that, is a ridiculous notion in our society. But I think what this tells us is the role of president's spouse is very outdated. If it's too ridiculous and demeaning for a man to do, then it's too ridiculous and demeaning for a woman to do.
What are more appropriate terms to call the president's spouse?
As it stands right now, "First Lady" and "First Gentleman" carry their own connotations. There is a specific behavior and presence expected when using those terms. When George Washington took office, people were unsure what to call his wife, but Martha Washington was not interested in being addressed as "lady." It reminded her of the monarchy they had fought hard to break free of. Even so, "First Lady" became the official title of the president's wife in the 20th century.
I think it's time we explore new gender neutral titles for the president's spouse. After all, there should be no differentiation in their responsibilities based on their gender. Other countries, such as England, don't even use a title for the spouse other than Mr. or Mrs. I think those are appropriate titles, as are First Spouse, First Partner, Presidential Spouse and Presidential Partner. Using gender neutral titles such as these creates a much less constricting and more equal role.
Can Bill Clinton redefine the role of First Spouse for all future husbands and wives?
I hope Bill understands how essential he would be in redefining the role of the president's spouse. I hope he recognizes the long term effects his precedent would have. I hope he would advocate for future wives to take on greater responsibilities than looking pretty and taking care of the domestic work. I hope he would praise the highly educated women who take on this position and encourage them to use their skills (Michelle Obama is a highly regarded lawyer. Surely she could have taken on a more integral role in her husband's presidency). I hope he would point out how insulting it is to comment on what the First Lady is wearing rather than the work she is doing for America. As depressing as this statement is, change won't happen in this position unless it comes from a man. Those with more privilege are better able to create change for those without that same privilege. That's just the way it works.
I hope Bill would take advantage of the privilege he has as a man in this position and put it to good use. I hope he would create change and become an influence on future presidential husbands. In a world where traditional gender roles are being redefined in everyday life, it's time our highest office caught up with the times.
