How Does America Really Feel About Women In Politics and What Do HF Students Have To Say About It?

Throughout time women have been shamed, jailed, and treated, in every regard, unequal to men. This continues, though at a lesser degree, to this day. But just as women in the 1900’s persisted through these adversities, women today continue to do the same, inspiring others along the way.

With every political position at some point or another being filled by a woman, excluding the position of “President of the United States”, women have broken every chain society has placed on them in American politics. Many times “women have had to beat two opponents to win office-the other candidate and sexism, (USA Today).” 

Just last August, (at the time) President elect, Joe Biden made the decision of electing Kamala Devi Harris as his vice president elect. On January 20th, Kamala Harris became the first woman Vice President in the history of the United States, forming a pivotal moment in America’s history.

Tracing back exactly a century from last year, in the 1920’s, the women's suffrage movement began. Ignited by years of discrimination and inequality faced in all aspects of life but majorly, in the realm of politics in the United States. 

Led by key figures you probably know such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanon, the women's suffrage movement piloted the idea that it was socially acceptable and overall legal for women to become as politically influential as possible.

As for Susan B. Anthony and Elizabth Stanon, they paved the way for the creation of the 19th Amendment, granting women (unfortunately most times the physical practice of voting excluded women of color) the right to vote. Since then, women have continued to influence American politics in ways never imagined. 

In order to bring influential women in politics to the forefront, but through a more local perspective and relatable way for the students of HF, a few of them were asked who they believe the most influential women in politics, deceased or living, is. 

 Senior Jacob Siegel, says he believes Hilary Clinton is the most influential female political figure being that “she was one of the candidates in the one of the most televised presidential elections in US television History.” 

Senior Sharon Lin, also claims Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, commonly known as AOC, is the most influential due to her agenda to “advocate for all and promote equality.” Sharon also says AOC is an “inspiration to young girls all over the world.”

As for how America really feels about females in power, taking this to a more nationwide level, a research project presented by Ipsos in June of 2019 (a global independent market research company) reflected how independents and democrats would feel with a female president. 

The poll stated 74% of people say they would be comfortable with a female president and 12% said they would not (the other 14% voted that they were unsure). But the open ended questions remain: does this research accurately reflect the decisions the country has made in the past and continues to make regarding the nomination of a female presidential candidate? And do these statistics accurately highlight the sexism that women undoubtedly face in politics?