Women & Power

The idea of women and power was recently displayed in the United States 2016 Presidential Election.  We saw a powerful female figure attempt to gain support so she can lead our nation and mark another step towards equalizing women and men.  However, her Presidential campaign was met with a lot of backlash, including people calling her a ‘bitch’ and ‘weak looking’.

  These terms had nothing to do with her proposals but were instead meant to demean the idea of a women sitting in a place of power. In Modules on Foucault, we learn that we are directly responsible as human beings to create our own individual powers.  The ridicule on a female candidate showed the world that we are far away from the idea that men and women are equal in this world.  However, Hilary Clinton’s campaign showed the nation that the courage of women is strong and if you fight for change, you can overcome great adversities.

  In an online article titled Fear of a Female President, we get an insight of the root of the reasons as to why the ridicule on Hilary Clinton was a sign of sexism.  The article states, “It’s relevant because the Americans who dislike her most are those who most fear emasculation. According to the Public Religion Research Institute, Americans who “completely agree” that society is becoming “too soft and feminine” were more than four times as likely to have a “very unfavorable” view of Clinton as those who completely disagree.”  People did not want America to become a ‘feminist’ nation and therefore a gender backlash was created.  Female empowerment is a potent force to be reckoned with, and Hilary’s candidacy was an example of women’s brave actions to show they can too be world leaders. 

 In Women And The Family, Plato argues that women and men have the same natural abilities, but women are weaker in realizing these abilities.  While his statements are highly debated, they are not meant to put down women.  They are instead insight as to why gender roles are formed in the first place.  Plato goes on to say that educating about women’s abilities and dis-empowering the male hierarchy structure can allow women to occupy positions of great status.  An example of educating women is the Black Feminist groups today, which are comprised of women of color who know they have the ability to do anything a man can do. While it is important to stay educated on topics regarding women and power, it would be even greater to see a woman in power because it will impose equality when viewing gender roles in leadership.  

Beinart, Peter. "Fear Of A Female President". The Atlantic. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Oct. 2016.

"Introduction To Michel Foucault, Module On Power". Cla.purdue.edu. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Oct. 2016.

"Women And The Family". Book V 160-167. Print.