Name:   copperline - Subject:   So Hilary "broke" the glass ceiling Date:   7/29/2016 5:13:56 PM

I think that when you assert that HRC got where she is because of the generosity (perhaps the sexual interests?) of the men around her and not because of her ability & intellect, you are saying something that is essentially unprovable.  But, coming from a woman, that opinion has a greater validity in the minds of people who would agree that women aren’t as capable as men.   It validates the sexist narrative,   ‘Women don’t get ahead because of their ability, it’s because men gave them what they have and made it easier for them”.  

And that is an unfounded allegation, supported only by the traditions of sexism.

In my opinion, if someone is given a job they aren’t qualified for… then they fail at that job and don’t get a do-over.   Their performance is evaluated and becomes part of their resume.   Clinton’s work history is extremely impressive whether it was as a children’s advocate attorney, the First Lady organizing a children’s health care initiative that continues today, as a Senator addressing the healthcare needs of NYC first responders, or as Secretary of State.   But since she was married to Bill Clinton,  people can always raise the idea that she got ahead because of her sexuality/relationships with powerful men and not her ability.   It can’t be disproved that being a Clinton was an aid to her career in some ways… but when it comes to her job performance, she was definitely sitting at her own desk without some guy telling her what to do.

I think the women I know would not want to have their careers disparaged by the allegation that they got there because men made critical allowances that tolerated their lack of professional ability, ‘hormonal mood swings’, and lack of toughness.    But there are plenty of men out here who already believe just that.  

And now, it seems, a few women.