Lyssa Beyer

This is an exciting time in American politics. For the first time in history, the frontrunners for Democratic ticket are two minorities – a woman and an African American.

But still, there’s a gray cloud hanging over this diversity victory – sexism. Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) is not only under fire for her political stances, but for her gender.

Clinton has endured sexism from all angles. Opponents have criticized her for using the gender card and allow the sexist remarks to continue. Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) explained how he was going to beat Clinton when a supporter in South Carolina asked “How are you going to beat the bitch?” The event inspired a YouTube video, titled “How Do We Beat the Bitch.” It now has more than one million viewings.

On his MSNBC Show, Tucker Carlson said “There’s just something about her that feels castrating, overbearing and scary.” Couldn’t he find a better word than castrating? Other opponents, like MSNBC’s David Shuster accused her of “pimping” her daughter when Chelsea Clinton campaigned for her.

Others have come to rallies with signs reading “Iron my shirt,” an old anti-woman slogan and chanting just that. I’ve overheard opponents call her a “bitch” for disagreeing with her views.

T-shirt slogans include “Life’s a Bitch, So Don’t Vote for One,” “I already have a mother,” and “The bitch is back.”

Political cartoons depict her from everything from an ice queen to being raped by a donkey.

Even Facebook groups have joined in on the sexist remarks. After a brief search of “Hillary Clinton,” I found groups titled “Life’s a bitch, why vote for one? Anti-Hillary ’08,” “Hillary, Stop Running for President and Make me a Sandwich,” and “Hillary Clinton Shouldn’t Run For President, She Should Just Run the Dishes.” The number of members in these groups ranges from 2,900 to 45,000 people.

As a woman, I am appalled at the Americans’ participating in this issue. Haven’t we come to a point in American society where a woman can be judged for her mind and character, rather than for her sex organs? Since when is a woman’s worth measured by her household skills?

The question burning in my mind is why sexism is OK, and racism is not? How is it different judging a woman for her gender than judging a man for his race? Why is this more socially acceptable? Would people accept opponents of Democratic candidate Sen. Barack Obama calling him derogatory or racist names? I think not.

Recent racist comments in the news have damaged careers and reputations for those involved. MSNBC and radio host Don Imus came under fire and issued an apology after referring to the Rutgers women’s basketball teams as “nappy-headed hos.” Golf Channel reporter Kelly Tilghman was suspended after suggesting young golfers “lynch” Tiger Woods. In a statement, the Golf Channel said “There is simply no place on our network for offensive language like this.” Then why is there room in the media for sexist remarks?

Some supporters of Clinton have taken the sexist remarks and turned them around. One campaign t-shirt read “Hillary 2008: Bringing Bitchy Back.” On “Saturday Night Live’s” debut after the writer’s strike, host Tina Fey defended Clinton and the “bitch” title during the Weekend Update skit by admitting both she and Clinton are “bitches,” and followed with the statement “Know what? Bitches get stuff done.”

While these retaliations are humorous and entertaining, they still abuse the sexist remarks. Why is Clinton a “bitch,” and what did she do to deserve such a title? Is it because she, a woman, decided to run for president? Or is it because she is a successful woman who has to use campaign tactics just like the men?

During the 1992 presidential campaign, Clinton said “I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas, but what I decided to do was fulfill my profession.” What’s so wrong with having a career instead of baking cookies? Didn’t many of our mothers tell us we could be whatever we wanted to be when we grew up.

If you don’t agree with Clinton’s views, then don’t vote her. If you don’t agree with her stances or feel that there is a better candidate, that’s fine. But don’t judge her for being a woman or degrade her with sexist remarks. Sexism isn’t acceptable, and it shouldn’t be tolerated.

But what do I know? I’m just a bitch.

Northrup is a senior print journalism major and scene editor of The Spectator.