Think About It Thursday - War On Women
It seems that ever since Beyonce made mention of Monica Lewinsky in "Partition," the woman has bounced back and been the topic of almost every morning talk show across America.
Ms. Lewinsky has recently used her fame to bring awareness to issues such as cyber-bullying and causes such as women empowerment. However, it seems that Ms. Lewinsky will forever be haunted for her intimate moments with the married President of the United States, during hr internship with the White House in the early 90's.Fast forward to 2014, and names such as "Narcissistic Looney Toon," "Oversexed Blackmailer," and "Bimbo" have been exchanged between Ms. Lewinsky and Presidential Potential, Hilary Clinton. The two have been publicly name-calling and ridiculing each other for years.
Recently, both women have labeled themselves as feminists or fighters against the "War On Women" - an expression used to describe the Republican Party's policies and restrictions placed on women's rights and mobilization. However, criticism is coming from the left and right in lieu of their quarrel.
"How is it that Hilary can say that she is an advocate for fighting the "War on Women," when she, herself, humiliated and attacked Monica Lewinsky with labels such as 'bimbo?' Can she truly call herself a feminist or a soldier for female-empowerment?" said Joe Scarborough - former member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
"How can Monica go around calling herself a feminist while going out of her way to offend a notedly subordinate political power?"
The question I ask today is, can you publicly dislike another woman but still promote #GirlPower? Does it send a mixed message? Does it discredit your work in anyway? Should it?
There aren't too many people, much less women, that I can say that I genuinely dislike. In order for me to make a decision to dislike a person, there must have been some form of unwarranted disrespect, backed by little to no signs of them stopping. I also have been guilty of overtly expressing my aversion. BUT! that doesn't mean that I don't want to see the female population mobilize and progress as whole, especially in the midst of a society that has another fate in mind.
Hilary Clinton's campaign to progress women is focused on policy matters that affect the vast majority of people.
The leaders and media figures are attempting to discredit the "War on Women" campaign based on how Hilary Clinton dealt with one personal family matter. Her communications to one woman does not discredit her extensive education, her work to build the U.S. government, nor her efforts to see women all over the world continue to grow and conquer. She is creating policy that could potentially affect citizens all over the world. This has little to do with her decision to address one woman who disrespected her.
To say that neither Lewinsky or Clinton can call themselves feminists because of their open insolence towards each other is somewhat ludicrous. However, it seems that no matter the extensive education, amazing vocational progress, and philanthropic heart these women display, there is still a #TeamMonica and #TeamHilary contention.
Some political forecasts reflect that this could all be problematic for Hilary come election time. And to think, this comrade and continued chaos is all based on the actions of one man who seems to be blameless in this mud-slinging. For example, Scarborough, during his segment on "Morning Joe" continued to state that Bill Clinton's infidelity and actions would not be an issue for her during her run for election.
Once again the focus is not Bill Clinton's infidelity or inability to control himself and commit to the sanctity of his marriage, but how women acted as a result.
It is disappointing to think that we are STILL discussing this over 17 years later and that Bill is nowhere to be found in all of this. Instead, the situation is painted as a "cat fight" of sorts. Hilary Clinton, as the bully who destroys women "victimized" by Bill Clinton's behavior; and Monica Lewinsky, as the unapologetic Jezebel who "threatened" one of the most important unions of our nation. Because two women simply dislike each other, they are painted up like "Real Housewives.." cast members.
Are we required to "just get along" in order to promote sisterhood? Must we hide our disdain to be taken seriously? Why aren't the same questions asked when men showed their outward disdain for other men?
