January 8, 2008

Victory in New Hampshire, or Loss of Another Kind?

Despite a sorry 3rd place loss in Iowa, Clinton managed to win over New Hampshire in their caucus election today. After being critisized for being too "cold," "unfriendly," or "bitchy" as some will say for years, Clinton seems to have listened. In an interview after the Iowa nightmare, Clinton gave an emotional speech, pleading for the people of America to vote for her. Was it the emotional outburst and well placed voice crack that won over the hearts of the anti-Clintonites?

As the NYT article that Marissa posted earlier, women in politics always seem to be portrayed the same way; unfriendly and impersonable, too commanding and too power-hungry. It's an unfair stereotype, to be sure, but America loves her norms more than it loves war. Clinton said after her victory in New Hampshire, "Over the last week, I listened to you, and in the process I found my own voice." Is she trying to break the bitch stereotype by being another one altogether? She may have turned over the leaf of being a brutal politician for now, but it seems that the next page reveals the kindly mother figure.

Clinton's 49% win must be taken with a grain of salt. We feminists must ask ourselves, is this really a victory for women? or is it a loss? I open the discussion to you.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't think a woman winning a primary race, let alone competing in one and obtaining much support, is reason for alarm.

Anonymous said...

i don't think its such a big deal either. however reardless of clintons personality or said personality, i don't really agree with her.

Emily said...

No, her victory is not reason for alarm, but the reasons WHY she may have been elected (showing her softer side) could be cause for alarm.

Anonymous said...

I think her win is a victory for women. This is the first time a woman has ever won a presidential primary. Love her or hate her, Hillary is blazing the trail for all of us.