6 Cringeworthy Public Displays of Sexism

Sexism affects women everywhere, but some females are forced to experience it in front of the entire world. The women below know a little something about that, and here are their stories.

1. Hillary Clinton

Clinton recently visited Capitol Hill to answer questions from her former Senate colleagues concerning the terrorist attacks in Libya, which left four Americans, including an ambassador, dead.

When asked why the Obama administration originally told the public the attack was a result of a spontaneous protest, Hillary said, "The fact is we had four dead Americans. Was it because of a protest or was it because of guys out for a walk one night who decided they'd go kill some Americans? What difference, at this point, does it make?" The New York Post headlined the story, “No Wonder Bill’s Afraid,” but I’m still having trouble understanding what their marriage has to do with anything.

2. Melissa Nelson

Dentist James Knight fired Melissa Nelson as his assistant for being too attractive and feared her employment at his office was a threat to his marriage.

Nelson, 32, worked for Knight for 10 years and considered her a great worker, but in the final months of her employment, he complained that her tight clothing was too distracting. Nelson filed a gender discrimination lawsuit arguing she would not have been terminated if she was male. Under the Iowa Civil Rights Act, the firing of Nelson was unfair, but was not unlawful. Overall, Iowa’s all-high male court still failed to realize the discrimination that women see routinely in the workplace.

3. Occupy Wall Street 

Although this movement was powerful, women struggled to make their voices heard. A video called “Hot Chicks of Occupy Wall Street” featured still photos to music of women protesting while the camera zoomed in on parts of their bodies. Many women also shared stories of being abused, beaten, and even raped. Those who spoke about the ideas and actions had been predominantly male. Being in activism does not come easy, especially for women.

 4. Michelle Obama

Jim Sensenbrenner, A Republican congressman from Wisconsin’s fifth District, called First Lady Michelle Obama unfit to “lecture us about eating right” because “she has a large posterior herself.”

Sensenbrenner made the comment during what he thought was a private cell phone conversation at a Washington, D.C., airport, but someone overheard him. The congressmen apologized and claimed he sent a personal note to the first lady. Here'swhatI have to say to that: Taking cheap shots at Mrs. Obama’s body is only a sign of fear, especially when you don’t look great yourself.

5. N.J. Catholic High School Controversy

Female students at the Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington, N.J., were asked to take a no-cursing pledge last week, while the boys were free to use whatever language they wanted. The Catholic high school started a civility campaign in recognition of National Catholic Schools Week to teach traditional values to students. After being accused of sexism, the high school made the pledge a requirement for boys too, but what was the problem in making it a requirement for both in the first place?

6. The Ban On Planned Parenthood

A Texas judge has denied the use of government funding at Planned Parenthood. The organization, which advocates for abortion rights, has filed a lawsuit to stop the defunding, but in the meantime, the judge said the state's decision will stand.

The program provides preventive care to 110,000 poor women a year, and Planned Parenthood clinics were treating 48,000 of them. Thousands of women will be required to find new state-approved doctors for their annual exams, cancer screenings, and birth control. I still wonder if this would have happened if men could get pregnant.