Chauvinism in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Campaign
For anyone who needed 2016 to make them aware that chauvinism is a problem in the United States, it may be argued that they were living a life cut off from reality. While the situation is improving—such as the incident where car salespeople stopped asking me about my husband's availability when I was purchasing a vehicle—the issue of chauvinism remains a significant societal problem.
Each morning, when I look in the mirror, I see a chauvinist, a racist, and a scumbag. This conclusion comes from my experiences with criticism. One woman called me a chauvinist because of my male physiology, and a black man accused me of being a racist due to my white skin. Thus, given these factors, it's clear that chauvinism and racism are widespread issues, although the 2016 presidential campaign didn't necessarily expose these problems more prominently.
Busting the Wage Gap Myth
It's essential to address and dispel the notion of the 'wage gap.' The idea that women are 'underpaid' compared to men is a misnomer and lacks factual basis. The 'wage gap' myth is propagated by certain feminist groups and has been debunked by reputable economists due to its flawed methodology.
The common comparison of income between men and women in the U.S. produces a misleading statistic. When you divide the total number of working women by their annual income, you get an average earning of 77 cents for every dollar men earn. This number is extremely misleading because it fails to account for crucial factors such as position, years of employment, industry, and educational background. When you factor in these variables, the actual gap narrows to about three cents. Clearly, the idea that women earn significantly less than men is a significant oversimplification.
Political Candidates and Misogyny
The 2016 presidential campaign saw both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump engaging in rhetoric that could be interpreted as misogynistic. Critics argue that Trump has made numerous derogatory statements, and there are claims of sexual misconduct, particularly against women. However, the idea that one candidate is more misogynistic than the other is laughable. A key example is Hillary Clinton's stance on sexual assault cases involving her husband, former President Bill Clinton.
Clinton was involved in cases where her husband was accused of sexual assault, including the Miss Broaddrick case, which involved severe misconduct. Despite this, Clinton enabled and supported such actions rather than addressing them. This behavior contrasts sharply with expectations from a female president who would prioritize women's rights and wellbeing. Another example is the scrutiny of Donald Trump, which includes hearsay claims from women alleging sexual misconduct. However, the credibility of these claims is often questioned, and the involvement of other figures, such as Epstein, adds complexity to the narrative.
Political Debates and Corrupt Politics
The 2016 campaign was not just about gender but also about corruption. Hillary Clinton's history of controversial actions and policies is well-documented. Her involvement in the Benghazi attack, the scandal surrounding the State Department's use of a private email server, and her negligent oversight of the Russia investigation provoked significant public backlash. Clinton is also associated with the 'Fast and Furious' gun running operation, which led to a tragic loss of lives in Mexico.
On the other hand, Donald Trump, despite his lack of political experience, is portrayed as a candidate who represents the fears and concerns of the American public. His stance on issues like the Second Amendment, border security, and economic policies resonates with many voters. However, the campaign's issue was not so much about the candidates' ideas but the deeply-rooted chauvinistic attitudes among voters, especially those supporting Clinton due to a personal bias against her.
Ultimately, the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign highlighted the persistent issue of chauvinism, both in political rhetoric and in the attitudes of the electorate. While some progress has been made, the deep-seated ingrained biases continue to affect modern American society.