Hoyt’s piece on the implicit biases that work against women is highly representative of the world we live in. When she discusses how stereotypes against women contrast with the stereotypes of leaders, this is most evident. Implicit biases that leaders should be white and male have forever dominated our society. In recent weeks, I have found this to be extremely clear within the democratic primary. Passionate female politicians are frequently called stubborn, angry, and argumentative. When they actively try to work against these stereotypes, they are thought to be weak and overly idealist. Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar have faced plenty of criticism of this nature, and it is certainly not all coming from individuals aware of their policies. Females wishing to lead the country always face this paradox as a direct result of implicit leadership biases. They are discriminated against in this way, and such an obstacle is extremely difficult to overcome. I personally believe that once a female wins the presidency, these biases will gradually fade, but until then, women face an unfortunately difficult uphill battle.
Critical Thinking
I disagree in the sense of I do not think that a woman becoming president will necessarily be a catalyst for these biases fading. In some ways it seems to me as a lesser but similar argument to “Obama’s presidency ended racism.” While these biases against women in leadership positions do not have the same background or strength as institutionalized racism, the comparison still stands that one person that subscribes to a particular identity rising to power is not going to get rid of the biases faced by everyone else in that group. I believe that changes needs to happen in all sectors, not just political, before these biases can begin to fade.
I agree with Sarah; merely electing a female president will not be enough to reduce biases against women. Even if Warren or Klobuchar had a very successful term as president, the same criticisms would be lobbed at the next female candidates for president. Countering implicit bias is more than just one person; it must be near-constant reminders that the bias is incorrect, and one president will not accomplish that.
I also agree with Sarah that biases will not “magically” disappear with the election of a woman. In fact, they might even increase as I will now compare her will now to every man who served in office before her. However, this is not to discourage a woman being voted in but rather setting realistic goals for what that would do for bias. We will always have BIAS. It is impossible not too but we can improve.