Hillary Clinton Opens Up About Dealing With Sexism And Letting Go Of 'Perfect'

[wyldwolf]

Hillary Clinton spoke with Glamour editor-in-chief Cindi Leive for the magazine's September issue.

When it comes to sexists, the former secretary of state has generally maintained a policy of disengagement. Leive asked Clinton how she's managed to smile through the often malicious gender-based criticism she's received, especially during a time as tense as her 2008 presidential run. Clinton shared her "guidelines" for dealing with sexist bullshit.

I have generally not responded if it’s about me. And I have responded if it’s about somebody else, because if women in general are being degraded, are being dismissed, then I can respond in a way that demonstrates I’m not taking it personally but I’m really serious about rejecting that kind of behavior. Now, sometimes when it is about me…you have to not just remain silent but try to figure out a proper response -- again, though, not going to the place of anger and feeling sorry for yourself, because that kind of plays into the hands of the sexists.

Another thing Clinton says men aren't concerned with? Perfection. “You don’t have to be perfect. Most men never think like that," she told Leive. "They’re just trying to figure out what’s the opening and how they can seize it. They’re not thinking about, Oh my gosh, I’m not perfect, my hair’s not perfect today, I wore the wrong shoes. No.”

If probably the most accomplished woman in the world isn't terribly concerned with being perfect, it might be safe to say that none of us should be.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/07/hillary-clinton-glamour_n_5658235.html

[djean111]

1. She is right - as it applies to sexism and worrying about one's appearance.

It is when "don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good" is used to marginalize things like the evils of the TPP and other trade agreements that I disagree and, really, gag.

[wyldwolf]

2. yeah, but reading is fundamental

She wasn't referring to "don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good," she was referring to women thinking they have to look perfect when men don't.

[djean111]

3. I think that I just had not considered that a DU person would have that mindset of worrying about

being "perfect", so I was seeing how else "perfect" could be applied.
Sorry. Reading is fundamental. Extrapolating is sometimes necessary, sometimes useful, and sometimes misses the mark.

[wyldwolf]

4. Hillary is a 'DU person?"

Or are you referring to me? Certainly you understand quoting an article, and the article' subject, doesn't necessarily mean someone shares the opinion being given in those quotes (although in this case, it does.)