Dear Hillary

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Alright, that’s it.

I’m doing it.

The time has come.

I’m taking on …

the pantsuit.

dlGtWst

Womp. Womp. Sorry if that was a let down.

But in light of the recent political conventions, I have finally worked up the courage to talk about something that I have wanted to “tackle” for a long time.

The Pantsuit.

Or rather, what it stands for.

Now, some people may have watched the conventions and gotten all hot and bothered about the political “superheroes” in attendance. The brilliant/moving/potentially lifted speeches. The cause-for-concern weight of former presidents and their affinity for oversized balloons.


But I was focused on one thing: The Pantsuit.

Now, I must begin with this…it was so unfortunate that both the headlining women wore white. I mean, for the love, Melania Trump is a gosh darn vision in white. Not that Hillz wasn’t beautiful in her own right, but her stylist should have realized that she was wearing the same color as a former super model. And a pantsuit at that. It was a tragic oversight.


But I’m going to be really honest. I have some pretty strong feelings about pantsuits.

And pause: I’m not advocating that women should only wear ankle length skirts with closed toed flats. I mean, heaven forbid you show that calf!

No. That’s not what I’m talking about. #LoveMeSomeExpressEditorPants

I’m talking about what it stands for.

Or rather, how it has redefined something that I think is very important:

Femininity.

It’s such a hot button word: Feminist.

When people hear that word, – and I’m including myself in this – the image of angry, hairy arm-pitted women burning bras in a politically charged mob comes to mind. I mean, doesn’t it?

toronto-bra-burning_19792

And especially now, with people and shows like Lena Dunham’s Girls or Broad City, there’s been a redefinition and rebirth of intensity in what it means to be a feminist. And more specifically, what it means if you’re not a feminist.

And everyone has their two cents worth…or rather, their 140-characters worth on Twitter. Or, in Kim Kardashian’s case, your “two black censorship bars“-worth.

Everyone from Taylor Swift, to Shonda Rhimes, to Demi Lovato, to Beyonce, to … Hillary. Everyone chimes in on what it means to be a feminist.

So, I thought I would offer one more voice on the topic.

Because I am also a feminist. But not for the reasons that women fought for the pantsuit.

I am a feminist for two words:

Feminine Genius.

Now, if you’ve never heard that term before, you might be scratching your head…like…okay, we get it, you think you’re smart. 

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Nope.

This term was coined by the late and great Pope John Paul II, or JP2 as he’s so lovingly referred.

And it defines what it means to be feminine in a biblical sense.

He defined the FG as this: the sincere gift of self.

And the very biological make up of a woman’s body communicates this.

We’ve all heard that women are the “crown of creation,” being created from man, saving the best for last. Made in the image of God, therefore reflecting His beauty. Duh.

But the feminine genius defines the very special and important role that women possess – nay, what they embody. The power and mystique we have, simply due to our very nature.

The female make up – it is different and important and powerful. We are receptors and guardians of life. We are biologically designed to bring life into the world. Every cell in our bodies is designed for that purpose. Biology don’t lie, people.

We are feelers, and in tune to those around us. Whether we are mothers in an actual physical sense or in a spiritual sense, we have the “wiring” to be caretakers. We yearn to meet the needs of others. We are lovers. We are people-centered — relational. Why do you think we care so much about The Bachelorette, or struggle with gossip? – It is because we care about people and their well being.

We are courageous and strong. Look at Mary – saying “yes”to carry Jesus in her womb. That was the prime example of the sincere gift of self. She was being obedient to God’s will, yet exercising her own free will, and giving of her own self- physically, emotionally and spiritually.


Am I saying that men don’t possess these traits? Absolutely not. Men are lovers, and feelers and courageous too. But differently.

Women have traits that are uniquely different. Uniquely important. Uniquely genius.

So does this mean that the role of a woman is in the kitchen meeting the needs of her family by making casseroles, popping out babies, changing bed linens and vacuuming the house in pearls and heels?

housewives-cleaning-family

No way, Jose.

It can, if that’s her calling. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

But that’s the genius aspect. A woman brings those traits with her and puts her unique feminine qualities into whatever she does. Whether that’s teaching, or nursing, or raising a family, or reaching people through marketing/advertising, or acting, or…leading a country.

It is those traits – of giving, empathy, courage, intuition, compassion, strength, poise, recognizing the talents in those around her and empowering others – those are precisely the qualities that make up a great leader. And a woman possesses them inherently.

We are uniquely different. And differently equal.

So. Back to the pantsuit.

Instead of trying to conform to what makes a man a man, why not celebrate the fact that, yes, I am a woman, and because of that, I bring unique qualities and talents and perspectives to the job, that make me equally and uniquely qualified to do it.

Leading a country means serving a country. It is a gift of self. Of inspiring and empowering the people.

A position that should be held by the most capable person for the job – man or woman.

Am I endorsing Hillary. No. There’s a lot more that goes into choosing a President that goes much deeper than a person’s gender. There’s … well … politics. The parties’ views on the US and our future are very different. And that is up to you to decide which issues top the list and sway your vote.

I would love to see a woman President. And think it is amazing that a woman is holding the nomination for a major party.

And I hope that the first woman president, whenever she’s elected, can confidently be sworn in wearing something other than a pantsuit. Because she’s not hiding her femininity, but celebrating her feminine genius, and embracing all the unique talents and qualities that she possesses in her very nature that make her equally qualified and able to do the job.

 

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beautybeyondbones

BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

246 thoughts on “Dear Hillary”

  9. Well as someone who can’t wear pencil skirts and cute dresses because I have “cankles”. Please be aware not every woman can wear those. Hillary has been criticized in the past for her cankles so either way she is judged. Believe me I am not a Hillary fan but before you judge someone for their feminist because they wear pants, there may be a reason.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Leigh, thank you for this perspective. You’re right – I hope I wasn’t coming off as judgmental – I promise, I was doing it more for the humor! But that’s a great point – we need to always be considerate and think before we speak. And let’s be honest — there are some pretty snazzy pants suits out there to be had — just look at that fist picture! 🙂 so glad you stopped by. hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for clarifying. Boy do I wish I could rock a pencil skirt but the Lord gave me thick strong legs. At least I have strong ankles to wear my high heels. 😉

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  12. When people hear that word, – and I’m including myself in this – the image of angry, hairy arm-pitted women burning bras in a politically charged mob comes to mind. I mean, doesn’t it?–yes, you said that perfectly. I picture the same thing. I would like to see a Margaret Thatcher type for president, although I can’t say I know all of her views. She was called the Iron Lady. There’s not much that can be called lady-like about Hillary.

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  13. I’ve wondered for years about the meaning of pantsuits! You have solved a,great mystery for me, and now I’ll be able to slept nights! I love this post – well done!

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  14. I loved your post. I think it’s great that women can wear pants in fairly dressy situations. And it’s fine if they wear a jacket with pants on occasion. But constantly wearing pant suits seems sort of pitiful to me. It presents the idea of an imitation man to passers- by, rather than a lovely, confident, and gracious lady. As a child of The King, I want to represent Him as well as I possibly can by dressing appropriately for the occasion. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. I’m a guy, so I can’t usually get away with saying this, but that is one part of ‘traditional feminism’ that has always bothered me: in a lot of respects feminists seem to downplay the female role as though it is inferior to men. If a woman is trying to dress like a man, and talk like a man, and act like a man in order to assert her equality TO a man… then isn’t she the one who is declaring that feminine traits are inferior by her attempts to be more masculine? (I hope no one is offended by that, it has just always seemed like a contradiction to me.)

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  16. Very funny article–I always love the pics and gifs you choose. 🙂 And you always get me thinking.

    Can’t quite agree with this one, though. Or, at least, I’m don’t tend to think that all women share thus-and-thus traits and all men share thus-and-thus traits.

    Also, I like pantsuits. And even if I didn’t, as long as Hillary likes them, more power to her. Let’s all wear what we like and show the world that we’re comfortable in our own skin!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you so much Jenn! Aw good! I’m so glad you like my posts and pictures! You bring up some great points here. Yes, more power to people and whatever they’d like to wear. I’ve been known to rock black editor pants from express with a hot pink blazer many a times. But yeah, just wanted to open up a conversation. So thank you for the perspective! So glad you stopped by:) have a lovely night! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 2 people

  18. Great article. The “pure white” pantsuit was too much. It was chosen, I am sure to project “innocence” 😉 I agree, she needs to get out of pantsuits. They are lazy and I am sure she spends a fortune on her wardrobe. I remember hearing people laugh at her choice of attire (pantsuits) years ago. They are also aging.

    Embracing our feminine side is important. I was smiling last night when I was reading over a recent post on Sarah. 1Peter 3:7 “Likewise, you husbands should live with your wives in understanding, showing honor to the weaker female sex, since we are joint heirs of the gift of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” That would have been the perfect opportunity to remind men/husbands that this also means stepping up to help your wife with dinner, the children and chores, we’re all tired at the end of the day. Homemakers or Corporate execs. ~ Rambling, Laurie

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  19. Embracing our feminine side is something so many women fight against, because we’ve been taught that it’s a sign of weakness. Thank you for speaking out against that! 🙂

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  20. I didn’t realise JP2 quoted that, very cool. In my culture, historically, women were fiercely protected because of their importance .. no women, no next generation. Everything revolved around the protection, respect and honouring of women. …. AND as for the pantsuit … ummmm … it reminds me of Donald Trumps hairdo. … could do with an overhaul and is in no way, at all, flattering on any level!

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  22. “We are uniquely different. And differently equal.” Original? I love it!

    In the current environment, it’s hard for a guy to admire the presence of a woman. As soon as you do, you run the serious risk of being labeled a Perv. Me? An attractive woman (not in a pantsuit) is like a beautiful sunset, a sight to behold and admire. All the more so when her personality is equal to her image.

    I’ve always preferred the company of women. I find women to be generally relaxing to be around. Guys are such…GUYS!

    When I was a corporate trainer, I’d quickly scan the roster every week, PRAYING there would be at least a couple women in class. Why? Guys are like dogs; you get ’em in a pack and they start going feral. No women that week? Not a good week!

    Women bring life into the world, they nurture it, and they preserve it. Can you blame a guy who is simply a fan??

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Jeffrey! Yes! That was an original BBBism! 🙂 lol, well the saying boys will be boys is a cliche for a reason:) lol juuuuust kidding. But very true, there is certain *it factor* of a woman’s heart that is contagious. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your wisdom Jeff! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 2 people

  23. Love this! Especially the following: “And everyone has their two cents worth…or rather, their 140-characters worth on Twitter. Or, in Kim Kardashian’s case, your “two black censorship bars“-worth.” I lol’d. There is now spit and coffee all over my computer keyboard so… thanks for that. 😉

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  25. Agreed. Politics aside….another topic altogether….I think.most women miss out on the greatest opportunity of all…..to use what God gave them… as women. I think we are more powerful when we embrace who we are…not try to be what we are not. Even if pantsuits are our thing….personally I don’t usually like them…..they should not look we shoved a woman in a man’s suit with a couple of tucks. They should look distinctly feminine. I am sure she has funds for it, but prefers the box look. I for one would think any woman would look better in something more flattering for whatever shape they are. It is a shame not more women agree. We would have better choices available at reasonable prices! Maybe I should learn to sew my own!

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    1. Thank you for this. You’re right-embracing who we are is a beautiful and powerful thing. Yes! Express actually some really attractive ones:) hehe yes-they need to have a certain flair. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  26. Great post 🙂 I watched the DNC convention last week and the speeches were pretty good 🙂 As for the whole thing about pantsuits, I do not think about it much. I personally think that one should judge how the person presents their speeches as opposed to who has the better outfit. Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂

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  29. Well spoken, and so needed in today’s culture that “feminizes” men and “masculines” women. God has built us male and female, uniquely fitted and complimentary of each other. If you have not read it, you should pick up “Captivating” by Stasi and John Eldredge. Powerful book on the beauty, mystery, and power of godly womanhood. My wife and girls have all read it.
    Blessings,
    Rob

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Rob! I really appreciate this perspective. So true-God made us and we need to embrace that. Oh my gosh I LOVEEEEEE absolutely LOVE captivating. I read it twice and created a bible study for my sorority on it in college. Very powerful stuff. Hugs and love xox

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  31. Never thought about pantsuits in this way before. I have cringed for years because of being encouraged to wear the polyester pantsuits when they were not in style for a teenager, and I was a teen. Appreciate your thoughts.

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  35. Amen! You hit the nail on the head. That’s all I’ll say, because I’m a man. 🙂 Thanks for saying what I’ve been thinking for a long time.

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  36. Spot on! You are a TRUE feminist! God created women to be WOMEN. It’s so sad that “feminists” push the idea that in order to “do anything a man can do,” she must do it like a man. The world has missed out on so much because of this wrongheaded notion. We need women to lead with empathy, nurturing, and love. Keep spreading the good Word—I’ve really enjoyed your blog!

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  37. My angst with most ‘feminists’, including women who try and become body builders, is that they try and become men. I wonder why.

    There is grace enough in the female form. Celebrate it

    Do you know of the aspect of the Hindu God, Shiv(a) called ‘ArdhaNari”?

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      1. Ah!! you must read about this aspect of Shiva… It is his androgynous form. I first saw a carving of this form many years ago, at the Elephanta Caves, south of Bombay. And wow… this is possibly one of the most amazing cave carvings I have ever seen

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  38. When people hear that word, – and I’m including myself in this – the image of angry, hairy arm-pitted women burning bras in a politically charged mob comes to mind. I mean, doesn’t it?–

    My sides! 😀

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  39. I think someone told Hillary she would look thinner in all one color. Unfortunately, that’s not true. She kind of looks like a popcicle. I like pants on a woman if the pants and tops are stylish! Now Joyce Meyer (the evangelist) wears pants all the time, but they are paired with fantastic jackets or blouses and lovely jewelry. She always looks terrific. Black pants are especially nice. To me, Hillary’s pantsuits are dowdy and out of the 1980s.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Belle! yeah, that’s probably what happened. lol a popsicle that’s funny. Yeah, I agree – There’s nothing wrong with a woman in pants – but if you’re gonna go with a pantsuit, pleeeease make it stylish! sending big hugs to you! xox

      Liked by 1 person

  41. Original and thought provoking. Here in the UK Margaret Thatcher was renowned for her handbag. And I notice Theresa May is wearing a skirt and pretty necklaces. This is reassuring because it means we don’t have to become “something else” to be a leader

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  42. Interesting post, BBB. I AM a Hillary supporter, major-league, in fact I’m working on her campaign now. So that said, I would like to also say that wearing a pantsuit for me symbolizes the importance of comfort. I want my President to be comfortable in his or her clothes so that all the brain power is reserved for important decisions needed to be made in leading the country. A pantsuit is not unfeminine, imho.
    I do enjoy what you have to say about the inherent characteristics of women and how those would be so essential in making a good leader.
    And, to end on a final political note [LOL]: Hillary has those characteristics! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Timi! Thank you so much for sharing this. That’s awesome that you’re working on her campaign. Hah-yes comfort! That is important too. Because, really, what the Prez is wearing should be the last thing on his or her mind. True true. So glad you stopped by! Have a beautiful day! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  44. You’re so right! Women and men are uniquely different but complementary. Together they can be powerful and embody the qualities of God. The feminist movement is practically non-existent, because I feel that society is trying to push us towards being gender neutral. God created man and God created woman. The two are perfect in their unique ways and we should be empowering men and women and build strong families as strong families build strong communities and strong communities build a strong nation. Anything less is out of sync with God’s plan.

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    1. Thank you so much friend. Amen to that! I totally forgot to mention that HUGE fact: that men and women are COMPLIMENTARY! so important. And how true is that?!! Strong families and communities DO lead to strong nations. Wow. Great points. Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  45. Loved your writing, as I always do. A lot of food for thought in this one. I often think it is weird with clothes – I mean, they’re just bits of material to cover us up. There were no trouser suits for women or men in the garden of Eden! In fact we were created to be naked! Walking with God, unashamed.
    Clothes are socially genderised – different cultures and times have different ways of dressing. I’d love to see people being able to express themselves creatively through their clothes in whatever way they want, no matter what gender they are.
    I thought I didn’t care what people wore, that politics shouldn’t even mention clothes. It irritates me when political commentary includes criticism of women’s appearances. But then I annoyingly found myself shouting at images of Jeremy Corbyn (leader of the opposition party in UK) ‘put a proper tie on! Wear a proper jacket!’ ha ha so I may be a feminist but I am a complete hypocrite too! x

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    1. lol thanks Lou. You’re right-lots of great points you make here. You’re right-looks and clothes definitely shouldn’t matter. I guess I was just using the pantsuit as leeway into what I really wanted to talk about and honestly as a little bit of humor. Because after all, it’s the person wearing the clothes that matters. But yes-before the fall it was paradise. *sigh* ah well, we can look forward to that one day. Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  46. Beautifully stated! I do wonder if Hillary’s age might not have something to do with her choice of attire? But I do agree about the important differences between men and women. I fear the feminist movement has tried too deny them and they are important.

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  47. hear hear !! Brilliantly written 😀 I beamed with pride and joy when you were talking about women and the creation of her. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  49. Really good post, really interesting view of Feminism and what it means to you and biblically. Feminist is a word batted round a lot now but with so many different perspectives on what it means. Thanks for sharing.

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      1. It can create a lot of really fruitful dialogue, because no matter what your perspective on feminism, deep down most are trying to attain the same thing in their own way.

        Really enjoyed hearing your perspective on some different topics. Don’t get me wrong, your life story and experiences are amazing to hear about but it was also great to hear your thoughts on something I haven’t heard you touch on before.

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  50. Love this. Every word. It warms my heart to read such insight.
    As far as the fashion side . . .
    I’m 64 . . . the very gen. that the “poly-gab” pantsuit was created for. ( I was right in the midst of “the movement”. ) I never embraced the look. I did not wish to be a knock off of a guy’s look. I went with Tahari suits with spectacular jackets and pencil skirts, that begged for 3 in heels. When Hillary took the stage, the first thing that came to my mind was . . . “it’s throw back Thursday”, hair and all.

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