Recently, while out in public, I overheard one of the most discriminatory and sexist remarks I have ever heard in my life. It went a little something like this:
“Hilary Clinton is a joke. How can a woman expect to take on the duties as head chief of America like a man can if she’s probably too busy applying makeup and worrying about her figure? I mean, come on. No one can take her seriously.”
Now, if this commentary doesn’t have you belly-flopped and neck-deep in a feminist or egalitarian sea of turmoil, then I don’t know what will. Now, the comparison of the capacities of men and women is certainly nothing new. But what this argument fails to realize is that – male or female – any person of political and governmental significance, who ought to gain any quantity of respect, must appear not only presentable but sophisticated, too. Would you really take seriously any presidential candidate who showed up to their debate in tattered jeans, a grubby, greased hairdo and some torn red Converse All Stars? While it may be appropriate at Led Zeppelin reunion concert, it is certainly not in the political world. To add to that, would they even be allowed into the pool of candidates to start with? The answer is no. Absolutely not. This indicates that a candidate, regardless of gender identity, should be expected to emit utmost hygienic habits and abide by particular expectations of appearance.
Furthermore, when was the last time you saw Obama take the podium before an audience with a strong five o’clock shadow or some three-day stubble poking through? Try to look it up; I dare you. He is always clean-shaven and ready-to-go at any political or diplomatic citing. Now this, of course, serves very little magnitude to surmise anything about his extent of leadership competence. The same conclusion should be drawn to that of any female within, or outside, presidential candidacy who wears makeup. To add to this, it is generally expected of all candidates in modern-day American politics to undergo a touch-up, or quick restoration of overall hygiene — including makeup — prior to stepping out for debate, speech or any essential event. Not only are these touch-ups performed rather quickly, but they are executed by professionals. On the web, look up images of Obama getting his makeup done; I can assure you these photos are present. From this, we can conclude that all that supposed time that Hilary Clinton is spending on her appearance is actually no time at all. Also, in that short span of time, she is highly unlikely to be applying her own makeup.
Now, in terms of the argument that Clinton is likely occupied “worrying too much about her figure,” remember that consumption of food is vital to us human beings. By simply eating the right foods, anyone, male or female can be in adequate shape. How much longer does it take to eat a burger than it does to eat an apple? Surely, the difference is not significant. Anyone can balance their daily nutritional intake, whether healthy or unhealthy, and their overall duties with probable ease. So why, in this overhead argument, is there an implication that a woman cannot sufficiently fulfill her role as president of the United States simply due to disturbance of emphasis on bodily appearance and health? This is a proposition, I’m positive, that would be vetoed by any president.
Although physique bares no correlation in regards to political respectability, overall appearance certainly does. It is no news that a clean-cut, sharp candidate with outstanding policies would be favored of a disheveled, messy candidate with outstanding policies. However, the clean-cut candidate should not be a fallen victim to sexism based on any particular visual alteration. Whether a glossy maroon-painted lip or a thick coat of black mascara, the makeup worn by a female does not splinter her potential in whatever career or goal she is seeking. It is merely a token of preferred appearance that is meant to suggest the overall seriousness and tidiness of an individual in their respective setting. Now, as for the male student whom I overheard making this claim, slab on a coral blush and some shimmery eyeshadow, maybe take a 15 minute jog, and please do tell your overwhelming tale of incapability — a tale I’m sure many are eager to hear.