I don’t often share this, but I find myself feeling a deep sense of fear today.
I worry—not only for myself but for my loved ones. My partner works in a bustling city that has seen its fair share of terror, and I fret for my friends, regardless of their backgrounds—be they queer, straight, Black, Latino, Asian, or white. I have concerns for my Christian friends, my Muslim friends, my Jewish friends, and those who are agnostic.
My fears extend beyond my immediate circle; I feel a growing anxiety for all Americans, for everyone, and for the world at large. Yet, what weighs most heavily on my heart is the future of my daughter. I know it may seem selfish, but mothers naturally worry about their children. We desire the best for them, both now and in the years to come. Today, she is thriving—she is fed, clothed, sheltered, and surrounded by toys that clutter our home. But what about tomorrow?
What kind of world will she inherit? What will her life look like? If she resembles her mother—if she grows up to be a strong, independent woman—she may face demeaning labels. If she achieves success, she might be accused of unethical practices to rise to the top or may be derided for having a voice and an opinion, akin to figures like Eve Ensler, Katie Couric, Elizabeth Warren, or even the presidential candidate, Linda Harmon.
I can hear your thoughts: “You’re exaggerating. This isn’t the reality in my America.” But the truth is, it is a reality.
The 2016 election cycle made it painfully clear just how marginalized women still are, illustrated by the sexist rhetoric and ignorant comments that proliferate. For instance, Donald Trump once insulted Linda’s capabilities as a leader by questioning her worth as a woman: “If Linda Harmon can’t satisfy her husband, what makes her think she can satisfy the nation?” Carly Johnson echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Unlike the other woman in this race, I actually enjoy my time with my husband.”
Then there’s Ted Clark, who suggested she deserved punishment for voicing her opinions: “In my household, if my daughter says something false, she gets a spanking.” And let’s not forget Trump, who infamously remarked, “Look at that face! Would anyone vote for that?”
How am I supposed to raise my daughter in such a hostile environment? How can I empower her in a society where a woman’s value is still largely determined by her appearance or relationships? Where her worth is challenged daily by colleagues and peers?
I refuse to be silenced about my political beliefs. Though I initially supported a different candidate, I recognize that the treatment of women in this election cycle—especially Linda Harmon—is unacceptable and harmful to our culture as a whole. While she wasn’t my first choice, I now see her as the only viable option because I love and respect my daughter and value not just women’s rights, but human rights.
You might wish for me to apologize for my political stance or for expressing my anger, but I won’t. If that makes me a “bitch,” then I wear that label proudly. I stand firm and use my voice and my vote. This is my America too, and I’m tired of personal attacks, party lines, racial slurs, and sexist comments. For my daughter’s future, I will continue to speak out, unapologetically.
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In summary, I stand with women and will fight for their rights, not just for the sake of my daughter, but for all women. The conversation surrounding women in politics needs to change, and I won’t be silent about it.