On Super Tuesday, I held “Women for Hillary” and “Estoy Contigo” signs at the Look Park roundabout. Traffic was non-stop between 2:15 and 5:45.
Reactions and support surprised me, and I learned much in this process.On the positive side, many people beeped and waved. White women, people of color and white men driving a variety of vehicles, from low end economy models to high end luxury cars, showed support. It was a good cross-section, with more women in general beeping and offering a thumbs up.
A few people offered perplexing or disturbing reactions. Ten or more white men felt the need to roll down their windows to yell “Bernie” at me. No women did this, although I know that many women support Sanders. It seemed edgy to me. One white man stopped, with cars lined up behind him, to express, “She let that guy die in Benghazi, you silly (b-word).” Three other white men yelled, “She’s a (b-word)” out of their windows.
At least two dozen white men gave me an over-the-top thumbs down gesture complete with sour faces.
Misogyny was evident. I have never liked the b-word and get confirmation of that every day.There were two nice men with Bernie stickers who smiled and waved. How lovely. I would do the same for the Sanders people. Last spring, I supported the idea of Sanders running for president. I met him at the Progressive Democrats of America conference in Northampton. He is wonderful in many ways. And I have always admired many things about Clinton.
When Cruz took Iowa, I made a definitive move from Sanders to Clinton as I considered who has the most relevant experience and who is most likely to defeat a horrible Republican candidate. Oh, the days of Romney seem like a dream.
As a 55-year-old feminist, I am tired of sexist double standards. If Clinton were male, her candidacy would not be questioned in the same fashion. She is brilliant, resilient and consistently on the progressive side of most issues. She sucked it up and supported Obama when she lost in 2008. I hope that Sanders can find a similar transcendence when Clinton gets the nomination. Ideally, the ticket would read: Clinton/Sanders. Wow.
J.M. Sorrell
Haydenville