Feminist Synthesis Essay: The Legacy Of Hillary Clinton

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Even though, Hillary Clinton attempted to make it clear she was not the standard stand-by-your-man candidate’s wife that was exactly what she became after the Flower’s scandal.13 This was not the first time that Hillary had to put aside her personal beliefs and sacrifice herself for Bill’s sake. In the 1980 Governor’s race Bill Clinton failed to be reelected and many of the voters in Arkansas pointed the finger at Hillary. This was seemingly because these voters complained about that feminist in the governor’s mansion who refused to take her husband’s name.14 Here she also learned the invaluable lesson that her personal choices would always impact Bill’s political future.15In the end, Hillary had to acquiesce to the public’s demand and change …show more content…

This final shift in the summer was to that of a maternal, domestic, and likable wife 29with frosted hair, no signature headband, or large hippy glasses. The issue of feminism and traditional female stereotypes led to Hillary’s radical makeover for the Democratic National Convention. This is yet another symptom that made a once outspoken, assertive, and intelligent woman into a muzzled, Barbie doll-like figure.30 This shift prompted public resentment, not because of sexism as Hillary claimed earlier, but because she seemed to forsake her presumed ideals, making her not too much but instead too little of a feminist. A U.S. News & World Report poll showed two out of three respondents approved of Hillary’s continuing to practice law if Bill became president.31 This showed that it wasn’t sexism like Hillary had said that caused the backlash against her. Most feminist were dismayed as well as miffed that she felt the need to frost her hair, ditch her glasses, and change her maiden name in order to further her husband’s career. 32 Former New York congresswomen and veteran of the women’s movement, Bella Abzug cringed at Hillary’s makeover, saying that it undercut the party’s message and affronted feminist.33 Other’s like American Civil Liberties Union lawyer Tina Hester argued that, “She (Hillary Clinton) understands there’s a double standard for the first lady and

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