Journal 1: A Contemporary Hero

Hillary Rodham Clinton is a modern-day hero. Before her political career, Hillary Clinton had a successful career in law. After her career as a lawyer and then as a Congressional legal counsel, Clinton married Bill Clinton and became involved in politics. Since then, Hillary Clinton has been very involved in the American government. She has taken the initiative to challenge the political system, which is courageous in itself, but she has challenged not only political ideas but also ideas about the role of women in government. She confronts the outdated norms in government and fights to show women equal competitors in the political scene. Clinton was involved in government while serving as First Lady of Arkansas, and then her political practice became even more prevalent during her service as First Lady of the United States. She advocated reforming America’s health care system, a feat in itself, especially in such a nontraditional political role. More recently, Hillary Clinton has served as a United States senator for New York. This was the first time that New York was represented by a woman in the Senate. She ran for reelection in 2006 and was elected again. In the 2008 presidential campaign, Clinton was a major candidate for the democratic ticket; however, even when Barack Obama won the nomination for the democratic candidate she became very active in his campaign. When Obama was elected, Clinton was appointed as Secretary of State.

In addition to her inspirational political career, I consider Hillary Clinton to be a contemporary hero because she is a prominent figure who is a picture of the modern woman. In today’s society, there is a specific pressure on women which has not existed in the past. It is not uncommon for a woman to be responsible for a family, a household, as well as an outside career. All of the women who balance these responsibilities are heroes, in my opinion. Hillary Clinton is one example of these everyday heroes. She has remained dedicated to her family throughout her political career. During her husband’s presidency, her marriage came under national scrutiny with the Lewinsky scandal. She stayed by her husband’s side through the ordeal, and while her actions are sometimes questioned, her strong resolve is universally admired. She did not allow her career to be dampened. Clinton is a role model for women everywhere. Her political achievements have changed the involvement of women in government forever. She represents strength, courage, and fortitude. Her political career is commendable, and her commitment to her family is exemplary. The combination of these is what makes Hillary Clinton a hero.