Shirley Chisholm: Catalyst for Change in American Politics

As a self-proclaimed catalyst for change, Shirley Chisholm broke down barriers within the American political system. Only seven years after the passage of the Voting Rights Act, Chisholm entered the 1972 presidential race as a candidate for the Democratic Party. This timing made her the first woman to run for the Democratic nomination, as well as the first African American to run for the presidency. Chisholm sought to break down the American presidency – an office traditionally held by white, privileged men. As Chisholm herself described, she “‘ran because somebody had to do it first’” (Winslow 107). This boldness paved the way for many, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton – the Democratic nominee in the 2016 presidential election.
Chisholm herself even stated, “of my two ‘handicaps,’ being female put many more obstacles in my path than being black” (Fitzpatrick 162). In other words, Chisholm’s experiences running for political office as a woman weren’t positive ones. Before she even announced her bid for the presidency in 1972, she faced skepticism from the media. The Hartford Courant’s headline of “Black Woman May Run for President” encapsulates the disbelief surrounding her candidacy (205). During her campaign, she faced severe criticisms from her opponents. For instance, the New York Times, “said she had three strikes against her – her sex, her race, and the fact that she ‘did not appear to have overwhelming support among women, blacks or youths’” (Braden 188). Chisholm knew she would face some discrimination. The unconventionality of her campaign demanded it. However, she wasn’t expecting the attacks to focus so much on her gender. As she described, “I was constantly bombarded by both men and women exclaiming that I should return to teaching…and leave politics to the men” (188). These sexist comments were only a fraction of the disapproval Chisholm faced. The worst offense was carried out by the Nixon administration. The release claimed that Chisholm, “dressed ‘as a transvestite in men’s clothing’ and [was] ‘hostile and aggressive,’” (Fitzpatrick 221). This cruel and untrue assertion was widely
When questioned about her political career, Clinton quipped, “‘I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas…but what I decided to do was fulfill my profession’” by running for office (237). Clinton continues to further the legacy of Chisholm and other trailblazing women by demonstrating her bravery in running for office. Still, as one Republican official described her, Clinton is often viewed as “‘grating, abrasive and boastful’” (236). Generally, female candidates are expected to be “more caring, compassionate, and emotional than their male counterparts, who tend to be seen as tough, assertive, and decisive” (Bauer). This issue is common among female candidates, and this expectation has certainly impacted Clinton’s campaign. Despite her background as Secretary of State, Clinton is continually questioned by her opponent about her strength. This constant doubt over fortitude is almost exclusively an issue for female candidates – and is one that has plagued Clinton’s political career, especially in this election