“If Trump were a woman, her tweets would be seen as catty, gossipy, and more like something out of ‘Mean Girls’,” says Deborah Cohan. You’d think by now, sexism wouldn’t rear its ugly head but you’d be wrong. Just imagine if Trump were a woman and behaved as he has. And how different Hillary’s strengths and accomplishments would be viewed if she were a man. Here’s a comparison that brings home the differences.

By Deborah J. Cohan, Professor of Sociology 

August 3, 2016

We now have the unique chance to have  Hillary Clinton, an exceptionally accomplished woman, as our next president. That is, unless we let sexism get in our way.

If Hillary Clinton were a man with the political prowess she possesses, he would be seen as not just qualified but more likely overqualified.

If Donald Trump were a woman with his same lack of political experience and qualifications, she would be told to go back to wherever she came from, most likely the kitchen. And, she likely would not have made it this far.

If Clinton were a man, his rational authority, pragmatism, optimism and sober speeches would work in his favor and would be celebrated.

If Trump were a woman, her name-calling would indicate that she is ruled by her out-of-control, post-menopausal body, her tweets would be seen as catty, gossipy, and more like something out of “Mean Girls,” and her condescending ways with marginalized others would be seen as exclusionary bitchiness.

If Clinton were a man, having been a senator and secretary of state would be a good thing and a sign of understanding complicated budgets.

If Trump were a woman, her history of bankruptcies would indicate that she is careless with money and that she went shopping one too many times.

If Clinton were a man, his speeches would be seen as strong and exuding confidence.

If Trump were a woman, her speeches would be regarded as shrieking, hysterical rants.

If Clinton were a man, his pantsuits might earn high marks.

If Trump were a woman, she’d be told that she should hire a better hair colorist. And a speech coach to assist her with controlling her belittling facial expressions and hand gestures.

If Clinton were a man, he’d be regarded as monogamous and lovingly loyal, even in the face of a spouse who had previously cheated. He would be admired for staying with his wife through thick and thin.

If Trump were a woman, she’d be labeled an immigrant-loving slut for her choices in whom to marry.

If Clinton were a man, we’d be apt to see his spouse as a magnetic public speaker who routinely and magically wins over a room.

As a sociology professor at University of South Carolina-Beaufort who has researched and taught about gender for many years, Deborah J. Cohan knows that gender matters. And that gender difference matters. Yet, it is the difference that gender makes in our lives that matters most. Nowhere is this more evident right now than in the current election. (SF Chronicle)