Why voting for Hillary Clinton IS a gender equality issue..

Hillary Clinton has just announced that she is officially going to run for President of the United states in 2016. Already I am seeing the expected hashtags: #teamhillary, #hillaryforpresident #hillary2016. I probably would have just overlooked these, as she isn't quite my cup of tea- but I began seeing a few people coupling these hashtags with ones like #genderequality or with statements like 'it is time for a woman president'.

This brings me to my point-- we have a very serious and very real lack of understanding for the true meaning of gender equality.

Gender inequality is a very serious problem in today's world. Women in many countries are not allowed to participate in the workforce. Even here in the United States that is a massive wage gap. Society makes condescending, sexist jokes okay-- as women and men we are beginning to unite to change this. But, this is really just the beginning.. 

Ladies, you may think that voting for a female candidate is what is going to propel us into a world of gender equality. However, this is NOT true. In fact, voting for Hillary simply because she is a women is the exact opposite. Showing we are willing to vote for someone because of their genitals and not because of their political standing is a HUGE part of the problem-- regardless if this leans in favor of males or females.

I don't care what your gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexuality is. If I think that you are not the best candidate to run this country I will not vote for you. I will not vote for Hillary Clinton simply because she is a woman. That is NOT okay, that is NOT gender equality, that is NOT looking at the candidates based on their platforms and political views.

If you really think that Hillary Clinton is the one who is going to help our country get out of the mountain of serious issues that we have piling on us, then by all means, vote for her. I do not think that she's the one that is going to help us. In fact I think she's nothing more than an idiot and a hypocrite.

In fact, if she wins, I might seriously consider moving us to Canada.

My point is, do not vote for someone just because they are a woman. There are plenty of men AND women that I would vote for before I would give her a chance. Do not vote for a woman thinking it is going to propel us into a magical land of gender equality. That is not how it works. Pick your candidate regardless of their sex, based solely on political standing.

Making any other decision is just going to keep us in a cycle of ignorance.

Updates..

I have been going back and forth for a few months. I've had the desire to blog and yet, no time. Things have been pretty crazy but tonight, call me nostalgic or just bored- I felt the desire to blog again.


To catch up, I'm working as a preschool teacher- a job which I find both incredibly challenging and incredibly amazing. The kids I work with are truly rewarding and teach me even more than I think I teach them- even though on some occasion that lesson is patience.

Seth and I are coming up on our 4 year anniversary. I can't believe that. Time flies. Sparks fade, and the love is still there. He's my best friend..

I'm working on my Masters degree. I'm about one year done. Two more to go. It is by far one of the most challenging things I've ever done.


However, I am feeling overwhelmingly blessed. Even as I sit here with a shirt Carter has stained, laundry waiting to be finished, and a bathroom sink that desperately needs to be cleaned- I can't help but have a smile.

Today we had to fix a flat tire on our second car... Doesn't sound like something many would be thankful for, but I am. I'm thankful that we have a second car to help on nights when I have school our when our schedules conflict. I'm thankful that we had a little spare cash to just go and put a new tire on. This is something that not many people have.. and I'm thankful.

My little boy turns 2 this week. I can't believe I have a two year old- and I am so proud of him. He knows all of his numbers and letters and has begun working on his shapes and colors. He amazes me every day, but more than that- he inspires me.

On days where I'm feeling particularly cruddy, or where I'm overwhelmed with the stress of school and work, his face comes to mind and I am reminded that I'm doing it all for him. I want to provide the best for him. On days where I'm just plain grumpy, he always does something silly and makes me feel better. His awe of the world and excitement for the little things is nothing short of inspirational, and I couldn't be more thankful.

I'm so in love with my life, even when I fall out of like with it. Things get hard but it is important to remember the little things.