Doug Emhoff Breaks the Glass Ceiling

By Mimi Lebeau ‘24

Since the founding of the United States, men have always been favored in society. They were given a better education, more rights and a larger variety of opportunities. For this reason, it is often thought that since men established the country and were at the forefront of the government for so long, that there is no room for another male pioneer. Wrong.

Who would’ve guessed that this past January, a man would occupy a position which has formerly only been occupied by women? Doug Emhoff became the first second gentleman, breaking down gender-based barriers and proving that men can do anything women can. 
A recent survey states that since the inauguration, there has been a 90% increase in the number of males who dream of being the second gentleman. 
“It’s really amazing to see Emhoff paving the way for men who want to take more unconventional roles in government,” sophomore Sam Zaslow-Braverman said. “It’s really inspiring to see him pursuing a new path; opening up a world of possibilities for men of the future.” 
Often, men are forgotten when it comes to gender equality because many people tend to believe that only women have to fight to gain the same positions as men. However, this is completely untrue. Emhoff worked tirelessly to support his wife who led him into the second gentleman position. Without Emhoff, it is likely that Harris would not have made it to where she is today due to a lack of encouragement.
Although his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, receives most recognition for bridging the gender divide, one must not forget the message Doug’s position stands for as well. The second spouse will no longer be a job for women, but for people no matter their gender. 
With all the attention surrounding the inauguration of the first female vice president, Emhoff’s achievements are often forgotten. There is a common misconception that it is women who must break down society’s gender stereotypes. However, Emhoff proves this statement to be completely incorrect. Whether purposeful or not, he teaches young boys that they can do anything a woman can.
For the past forty-five presidential terms, there has never once been a second gentleman. Emhoff obliterates the stereotype that only women can fill the position of the second lady, an important step in normalizing men taking on roles that are customary for women to hold. He enters his new office demonstrating to people across America that there are still more barriers for men to break down and there are always new opportunities.
There is a common saying that women bring love to the White House to support their husbands. Now, for the first time in history, a man is taking on this vital role; a victory for all men.   
Furthermore, the couple defies traditional household normalities as Emhoff takes the secondary role as his wife pursues politics. In speaking with reporter Marie Claire, Doug stated, “I’m not overly political, I’m overly her husband,” thus demonstrating how seriously he takes his role in standing behind Vice President Harris.
Freshman Eliana Finkel said, “it leaves me in awe to see a man taking the passenger seat in politics. I am absolutely inspired watching as he pioneers this new frontier for men as he steps into a role that had previously only been occupied by women. I hope to see many other men following in Doug Emhoff’s footsteps as he leads the way for many more first and second gentlemen.”
Even so, Emhoff worked hard on the campaign trail. He gave speeches at rallies and encouraged voters to elect Biden-Harris.
Although this is the first win of its kind for men in politics, it will certainly not be the last. In the future, expect to see more second gentlemen and even more first gentlemen alongside female vice presidents and presidents. No longer will men like Emhoff’s efforts go unspoken as his accomplishment paves the way for many men in the future.