The Dangers of the Public Eye

Hillary Clinton does not have control over her public image, only the image she shares with those close enough to truly know her. Clinton’s public image is exactly that, public, and once in the hands of the public and those hired to engineer it positively or negatively, her image will never be entirely her own. Even something as simple as her name is manipulated. In the nineties, Hillary was known as Hillary Rodham Clinton, these days as a president candidate Clinton known as just Hillary Clinton. However, Shawn J. Parry-Giles, the author of the article, Meditating Hillary Rodham Clinton, identifies her even as HRC due to this ambiguity. He recognizes that the reason the public has such a strong opinion on her public image is because of “‘her refusal to be silenced’” (Parry-Giles 375). Hillary’s vocal attitude keeps her thoughts current in the public eye, although this can be problematic for her. Clinton, like any person, changes her beliefs and opinions as she absorbs new information and grows as a professional, however, whilst this was naturally happening Clinton has been in the public eye. The complication with this, is that by changing her ideals, the public assumes she is a different person along with these ideals or even a person who is unstable in their point of view. This can reflect poorly on her public image. However since, Hillary Clinton is now a presidential candidate once again, she has a task force team of professionals who are meant to curate her image in a positive light. Now, it may seem that this is a reflection of Hillary’s real beliefs and personality, but more likely, the image that her associates display of her is the one that will gain her the most votes. This push and pull of perspectives on who Hillary Clinton really is can be conflicting. One day the public sees her as a traditional wife who believes marriage is only sacred between a man and woman, the next she is the victim of a cheating scandal caused by her husband, and then the next day she appears to be an independent working mother who supports gay marriage and is running for president. Even further, Hillary Clinton’s image depends on who is absorbing it. For example, a feminist may view Hillary Clinton as a great role model when she runs for president, while a patriarchal person may view this as out of line or improper for a “lady.” Despite these very contrasting identities, the reality is Hillary Clinton is a human who has had many perspectives and even identities overtime. Yet, society likes to place icons, like Hillary Clinton, in boxes, or typecasts, in order to understand their unique significance. So even though Clinton is a complex human like the rest of us, due to her status, she will always struggle to have control of the image placed upon her. Her image may not be her own, but this may allow her a amount of privacy and security in herself, because she does not have her true vulnerable self in the public eye but rather an image constructed by multiple unique sources.

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