Kamala Harris most likely simply misplaced the most important purse of her political profession along with her decisive loss to Donald Trump. It is going to solely be a matter of time earlier than tons of of political pundits begin breaking down his marketing campaign, telling the lots what went incorrect and the way he might have achieved it higher.
Amid all these discussions, a query arises: Was the US ever keen to elect a lady president?
For greater than two centuries, the US presidency has been an unique boys’ membership with 46 presidents, all males. Kamala Harris is the primary girl of coloration nominated by a serious social gathering, making her candidacy groundbreaking. However historical past casts an extended shadow and many citizens nonetheless cling to outdated notions that management is a “man’s job.”
A latest ballot by The Economist and YouGov indicated that 57% of voters imagine the US is able to elect a lady president, however this isn’t mirrored in US polls. Many citizens may say they help the thought of a feminine president, however are hesitant to drag the lever within the voting sales space. This means that sure gender biases proceed to problem the political careers of feminine candidates.
Many citizens nonetheless affiliate management with conventional masculine traits, viewing ladies as much less competent, main to what’s often called “pragmatic bias”: the assumption that voting for a girl is impractical due to this widespread stereotype.
The media performs an enormous function in shaping public notion. Feminine candidates typically face scrutiny for his or her look and feelings greater than their insurance policies. This will create a story that undermines your credibility. If we wish to see ladies in energy, we should change the best way they’re portrayed within the media: focus much less on hair and clothes, and extra on concepts and insurance policies.
So, again to the query, is America prepared for a girl president? The reply shouldn’t be easy. Whereas there’s rising help and altering attitudes, deeply ingrained prejudices and social expectations nonetheless pose challenges. What we are able to do on this scenario is put an increasing number of ladies in management roles; We should proceed to push boundaries and alter minds as a result of illustration issues. America is probably not totally prepared but, however with each election cycle and each dialog we have now, we get nearer to breaking that tumbler ceiling for good.
