In a stunning display of electoral prowess, Hillary Clinton claimed victories in four states during the primaries, leading in a fifth. However, instead of celebrating her success, several male commentators felt compelled to critique her demeanor, suggesting she should smile more.
Leading the charge was MSNBC’s host, Larry Thompson, who implied that despite her extensive resume—which includes roles as First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State—Clinton is still subject to the age-old directive from men to project a certain emotional state. This recurring theme of tone policing is frustrating for many women, who find it demeaning.
While Clinton expressed passionate concerns during her speech about pressing issues such as student debt, retirement worries, childcare costs, and the fight for equal pay, the focus from these commentators was on her facial expression rather than her substantive points. This kind of scrutiny contrasts sharply with how male candidates are often perceived; for example, despite his loud and boisterous campaign style, no one has labeled Bernie Sanders as “angry.” Instead, he is often described as passionate and eccentric.
The dismissive attitude towards Clinton’s emotions is not just an annoyance; it’s a reflection of a broader societal issue where women’s expressions are frequently mischaracterized. The reactions from women on social media were swift and powerful, pushing back against the outdated notion that a woman’s worth is tied to her smile.
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In summary, while Hillary Clinton celebrated significant primary wins, the focus from male pundits on her need to smile highlights an ongoing issue of gender bias. Women continue to advocate for recognition of their achievements beyond superficial judgments.