Ocasio-Cortez Shatters Glass Ceiling

The 29-year-old Ocasio-Cortez represents the Bronx in Congress. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

By AYLA SANGIRAY and DANIELLE BRAVERMAN

 This year’s Congress, with 102 women (a record), is the most diverse on record. Of all the new members, the Bronx’s Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has caught the public’s attention the most, not only because of her youth but because of her progressive agenda focused on public housing, education, and health care. 

“It sets a good example for younger girls and shows them that they too can fight the odds,” said Milena Abramova ’20.

“I feel like having femininity expressed in Congress is a positive thing,” said Samantha Kaplan ’20. “It shows that women can achieve just as much as a man in government.” 

According to the Washington Post, the new Congress is still 80% male and 80% white, so Ocasio-Cortez is providing an important voice on sensitive topics such as abortion, equal pay, rape, sexual harassment, and women’s health.

“Having Congress consist of only men would be biased and would keep society from seeing the perspectives of the other gender,” Kaplan said. “Addressing issues that involve women, such as abortion, should involve the opinions of women as well, not just men.”

Critics have said that Ocasio-Cortez is too young for such a responsibility and that she isn’t knowledgeable enough. 

“I feel like this is a good change, but she’s so young,” said Katerina Fasarakis ’20. “I feel like she doesn’t have enough experience yet.”

Coral Braverman ’20 disagreed, “I don’t think her age will be a drawback. She obviously had to get a lot of support to get to this position. She has the potential to make change and be a substantial leader.”

As Cortez continues to fight for change and equality, hopefully more women will be inspired to join Congress and fight by her side.