By Any Other Name
It's Audience Participation Friday here at Zeitgeist!
This has been bothering me for a while now, but I can't seem to arrive at any coherent conclusion about what it means. Every time I hear a news story about the Democratic presidential candidates, the men are referred to by either their full names (John Edwards) or simply their surnames (Obama) - but Hillary Clinton is always just "Hillary." I was actually startled today to hear her referred to as "Mrs. Clinton," and while I can't claim to follow political reporting 24/7, I do think my reaction is indicative of how rarely her surname is used lately.
So, what I want to know, is what does it mean? Is she Hillary to avoid reminding people of Bill Clinton? If so, is it because of the bad feeling toward presidential dynasties, or to soothe the people who still can't get over the White House blow job?
Or is it a way to belittle her? In a man's profession, she's just Hillary. Just a woman. Doesn't belong, can't compete. If you know me at all, you know my opinions about misogyny being alive and well in America today - it shouldn't surprise you that I think this the more likely explanation.
And let's not forget the jarring "Mrs. Clinton." Not "Ms," no, and let's not fail to remind the world that she's married. Chattel. Property. I think this one feeds into the mindset that she's really only running so Bill Clinton can have another couple terms.
Okay, so I guess I have pretty much made my mind up, but I want to hear what you all think. Leave me a comment with your thoughts - if it's interesting enough, I'll send you something pretty!
Good job, boss - contests always bring 'em outta the woodwork!
posted by Sarah @ 1:13 PM
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3 Comments:
I find it insulting when she's referred to simply as Hillary. Like she's a schoolgirl or something. However I did see a headline just a few days ago referring to "Clinton" and I had no idea which Clinton it meant. If they would simply say Senator Clinton it would be nice.
However I'm always surprised by how often Bush is referred to as Mr. Bush instead of President Bush. I mean, he's a fucking idiot but let's show some respect for the office. ;)
I couldn't agree with you more. "Ms. Clinton" would be just fine (even though I don't think she is just fine - ) However, I don't agree with Jessica, although I do understand the protocol. He deserves no respect, and the office will need a purification rite before anyone else moves in!
Thank you for visiting my blog - and, by the way, there's no such thing as an inadequate swap package. The swaps are excuses for meeting friends and imagining what would make your new friends happy!
I've been thinking about this for a while, and am finally posting. (I do post, it just takes a while.) It seems insulting to me to just call her Hillary when everyone else gets a full name. However, I looked at , and it refers to her as Hillary throughout--couldn't find a single instance of anything else. It even says, right at the top, "Hillary for President". This is apparently how she's conducting her campaign! (Which I think is totally lame.) I don't understand why she would do this. Senator Clinton sounds much more dignified than Hillary. But Kerry was all dignified--maybe she wants to be more personable, and avoid his mistakes?
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