Throughout history there have been many great female leaders. So many women have influenced the world, and yet, despite the fact that the United States has had more freedom of choice than any other country in the world, we have been relatively slow to catch on. If you look over the history of world leaders there have been dozens of female Prime Ministers, several Presidents, Queens, military leaders etc.
Remember Joan of Arc? She was just fifteen when she led hundreds of men in a victorious battle during the Hundred Years War. She was barely a woman, and yet she is one of the most memorable women in history. Now it is true that there have been many socially and economically influential women throughout U.S. history, but very few (until recently), who have been in great political positions of authority. Yes, we have had in recent times, Condoleeza Rice, and Madeleine Albright, but let’s face it folks, we have not exactly warmed to the idea until recent times. Why? Well perhaps it is because those staunch conservatives who founded this great country, were all men.
No offense to our founding fathers, but they weren’t called the “Founding Mothers.” These were a bunch of guys, who didn’t exactly advocate women being in positions of authority. Betsy Ross got lucky by having the great privilege of creating our beautiful American flag, but she only received those accolades because of her fantastic ability to sew! She was certainly not considered to be a “leader” even though her bold creation is the very fabric that is literally sewn into our American culture and daily life.
And who could forget Helen Keller or Harriet Tubman? These women were innovators and helped to create some of our greatest American history. So why are we still so afraid to put a woman in total control? Why can’t we Americans follow the lead of other great nations such as Great Britain, Israel, or Pakistan? Even the Philippines currently has a female President. So, why do we Americans still have such a hard time accepting a woman in these authoritative positions? Now this is not just an assumption on the Gorilla’s part. This is what the Gorilla, as well as many of you, have been hearing lately from others. Many people- both male and female- still seem to believe that making Hilary Clinton our President would be taking a big risk and that somehow, she is just not as “strong” as a man would be. This is literally what the Gorilla heard someone say the other day. (And it wasn’t the first time!) Now, don’t get the Gorilla wrong here, he is NOT campaigning for Hilary. He is simply just stating the obvious. Is the Gorilla saying he would vote for Hilary Clinton? Well, no, not necessarily, but if not, it would have absolutely nothing to do with the fact that she is a woman. She has had more experience than most, and she has been absolutely touted as being as competent as any man (and in some cases, much more competent!) This is certainly the most interesting time in U.S. history for women.
If Hilary Clinton does become president, that would mean that we would have three women in three very high powered political positions at once in the U.S.: Condoleeza Rice, as Secretary of State, Nancy Pelosi, as Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Hilary as President? Well, we shall see, but for now folks Super Tuesday is over, and it looks like the race for President is on! Whatever your choice, just remember, when the time comes, get out there and vote. You are helping to shape history by doing so!
February 7th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
I don’t see why people seem to be so afraid of a woman in the White House. I mean, it’s not like she could do any worse than what’s been done by the men. Let’s face it, men haven’t exactly done a rip roaring job of running the world so far. How’s that Bush vote workin’ for ya?