Opinion: Vote for the ladies

In 1776, Abigail Adams wrote her husband, John, a letter urging the Continental Congress to “remember the ladies.” They did not. As a country, neither have we. Not only have we forgotten the women we have ignored them and deemed them unqualified to lead. Unchecked sexism and oppressive standards have kept women from the presidency for far too long.

In the 2020 election, both major party candidates were male, in their seventies, had at least one sexual assault case filed against them, and have both reportedly made racist remarks. Yet, these candidates inspired more voters to vote than ever before.

Were Joe Biden and Donald Trump the best America had to offer?

The truth is they probably were not. Biden and Trump were the safest options available to each party. Americans are comfortable recognizing old white men as their leaders because it is the status quo.

Maintaining the status quo is a pastime afforded the privileged group, and privilege usually prevents consideration for those who are marginalized. It is discouraging that enough Americans are willing to look past the sexism and racism exhibited by both candidates because they are comfortable with the current system.

Women, and especially women of color, do not make voters comfortable. Instead, they are demonized.

Kamala Harris, the first female, person of color and biracial vice president, has been called a “Monster.” Harris has been continually criticized and deemed unfit to lead because half of the nation is afraid of an “ambitious woman.”

Harris’s mantra — “you may be the first but don’t be the last” — underscores the reality that all women who shatter a glass ceiling must face. Their every move is scrutinized and their mistakes will not just be tied to them, but to every woman who tries to come behind them.

We demand near perfection of women running for office. Meanwhile, a man who tweets at 2 a.m. with the fervor and accuracy of a rabid dog can be president, while women running for office have to watch their every word.

If we truly want the best for our nation, we must hold male candidates to the same standards we expect of female candidates—an equal playing field. We should demand excellence from anyone seeking to serve our nation. Most importantly, we need to give women a chance.

When we look through American history, it is disheartening to recognize what we have lost by dismissing women. Many principled and driven women could have led our nation had we not been blinded by our sexism for so long.

To name a few:

• Abigail Adams would not have forgotten the ladies and women would have been granted suffrage long before 1920.
• Alice Paul, the organizer of the last stand for women’s suffrage, led a hunger strike, withstood abuse outside the White House gates, as well as in prison, and inspired women of every class and social standing to fight for their rights. She would have been a courageous leader during the despair of World War 1.
• Due to her husband’s failing health, Eleanor Roosevelt fulfilled many of his duties. Her wisdom and temperament would have been beneficial during the Great Depression and the Second World War.
• Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to Congress, ran for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination in 1972 and would have been an inspiring and decisive leader. She could have used the momentum of the civil rights movement to keep the nation moving forward and probably would have pulled our troops out of the Vietnam war long before 1975.

Six women ran for the nomination of the Democratic Party this election cycle and six failed. I cannot help but think their leadership would have been beneficial during our nation’s continuing battle with Covid-19 and that their perspectives would have been essential in facing the civil unrest.

We need to recognize the competency and wisdom female leaders can bring to the table. We have lost too many great potential presidents to sexism. For our nation to thrive, we cannot continue to let misogyny deny us our right to principled and qualified leadership.

Moving forward, we must not only remember the ladies but we must vote for them.

Addy Kirkham is a senior studying English with an emphasis in literary analysis. She enjoys reading, running, and mountain biking.

addy.kirkham@usu.edu