Is it Sexist that the Media Doesn't Use Hillary's Last Name or is it....?

Question

It is sexist that the media often doesn't use Hillary's last name in print media, or is it a sign of power that it isn't needed for everyone to know who she is? Is it disrespectful, or not, in your opinion? Have you ever seen any of the male candidates for president appearing in a headline with just his first name?

That should read, "Is it" not "it is." I clicked it through by mistake before prove reading. Sorry.

What about Oprah? She has no Bill to use as a reason for not using her last name.

Answer 1

I don't think it's sexism, if that was the case Nancy Pelosi or Condy Rice would be mentioned by first names also, but they are not. I think in Hillary's case, as a former first lady, the public may feel more comfortable with her, also we don't have too many Hillary's in politics...hence calling her by the first name? People are familiar with Giuliani too and I have heard him being called by first name also, although not as much.

Either way, I think it may benefit her, it makes the distance between voters and her less when they get to call her by first name, rather than last..just a guess.

EDIT: I think Oprah may be called by first name becuse that's what her show is called, just like Dr Phil is called by first name becuase of his show? Not sure.

Answer 2

This article that discusses her physical abuse (domestic violence) towards Bill shows her first and last name: http://www.ifeminists.com/introduction/editorials/2002/0507a.html

I would need to see an example to consider if poor Hillary is a victim of sexism. Poor Hillary, the victim.

Answer 3

I think because the name "Clinton" is most often associated with Bill, that's why they refer to her as Hillary.

Answer 4

I've noticed that women are more likely to be referred to by their first names in the media than men. I don't like this practice because it creates a sort of a familiarity with that person that shouldn't be there. If the person says it's all right, then it is. Most of us are taught as children to refer to adults by their last names unless they specify otherwise.

Answer 5

I think not. They even use the phrase "Vote for Hillary" to refer to websites like these

http://www.voteforhillaryonline.com/
http://www.votehillary.org

And then use "Hillary Clinton" several times throughout their content.

Answer 6

I agree, I think they avoid her last name so as to downplay her connection with Bill Clinton. For better, or for worse.

Answer 7

They refer to her as "Clinton" all the time on Y!News. If not, it's probably to differentiate her from Bill. If she had been president first, she'd be "Clinton" and he'd always be "Bill."

Answer 8

What about Rudy? He's usually referred to by his first name.