Jealous Women Who Are Not Voting for Hillary Clinton

Do you know how many women are not voting for Hillary Clinton simply because she’s a woman? Neither do I, but, based on a recent conversation of five of us sitting at a table discussing politics, there are likely some whose 2016 Presidential election choice is based on gender rather than experience. Our table of five is certainly too small a sampling to give any validity to my argument, but, surveys have been done to prove that some women are jealous of other women for a number of reasons, one of which is success. And, like her or not, Hillary Clinton has a curriculum vita that is unsurpassed by the majority of women of voting age in this country. That, without my conducting a survey, is certainly true. The point of my argument is not so much about “not voting for Hillary Clinton and voting for another candidate” as it is about how we as women often treat each other.

        Why do some of us express jealousy toward other women? It could be anything from another woman’s spouse, her physical appearance, her children, or her achievements. Does the media – commercials, movies, and television shows – tout this behavior by showcasing women with certain physical traits and educational and economic accomplishments? It’s certainly possible. We have the Soap Operas and Bravo’s “Real Housewives” series as well as the female music icons. Let’s not forget about Scandal and Empire.

        John Gray, Amazon author and relationship coach, says that jealousy indicates a person’s own frustrations, wanting what others have and becoming envious of the other person. This point is driven home in “Women Who Hate Other Women: The Psychological Root of Snarky” by Seth Meyers, Clinical Psychologist with the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health. He discusses what he has seen over his years of practice from daughters who have been influenced to practice meanness from mothers who derided them to anxiety manifested by women who are extremely critical of other women. This indicates insecurities learned at a young age. Meyers says he found that the women were critical and full of anxiety because they were envious and wanted what other women possessed. For example, one of his patients who was in the midst of fertility treatments to become pregnant was highly critical of the parenting styles of other mothers.

        Some studies have shown that jealousy is more prevalent among women than men. One study by Woman’s Day and AOL polled 2,000 women in a “jealousy survey” to find out what made them envious. Sixty-three percent of them indicated feeling jealous of their married friends. Deborah Arthur of Mailonline shared that, of 114 people out of 200 eleven year employees, mainly in administration, service sectors, and education, who were chosen to complete a study, women were shown to be more envious and competitive toward female co-workers.

        Again, while I am not giving a direct indication as to why some women may be casting their vote for a candidate other than Hillary Clinton, Hillary Clinton fits a number of categories that are presented. She is married to an accomplished husband, a former President of the United States of America. She has a daughter who is already making inroads for herself in terms of marriage, family, and career. The accomplishments and experiences of most women in this country pale in comparison to Hillary Clinton’s distinguished resume. 

        What woman would not want to be the First Lady of the most progressive country in the world? What woman would not want to have the experience to travel the world and speak on behalf of the United States of America? What woman would not want to be in a position to become the first female President of this country? Based on studies, statistics, and discussions by clinical psychologists, you think there could be a twinge of jealousy guiding the voting decision of some female voters? I don’t know for sure, but I do think it could be possible.

           As President Obama campaigned for Hillary Clinton in Ohio, he encouraged men not to oppose Hillary Clinton just because she’s a woman. It might would have been a good idea for him to remind the women as well.