Exemplary Clinton Analysis

In stage one we set out to find an ideal person to bear our projection. Let’s say we idolize Hilary Clinton for her leadership, and strength, to run in the upcoming presidential election. One may be fearful, or timid, to voice their own opinions about the government or express their anger towards the unfolding political proceedings. Hilary is selected no solely for the talent she is but, for who we want to be. By stage two, we notice that Hilary may be a little too outspoken, brazen, or beginning to “flip flop” on her agenda. “A next step that may be possible, but is hard to achieve, is to become aware of what is happening in one’s head immediately after the automatic appraisal but before emotional behavior has begun; aware of the impulses to action and words when those impulses first arise.” (Ekman 2003, 74) We must readjust our projection with reasoning and justifications because we
We finally realize many of our own insecurities have been mirrored by our projection of the need for a strong, powerful woman in the White House. However, we cannot longer accept the scheming, conniving, and cut throat desire for Hilary to win at all costs. We honor the fact that inadvertent harm has entered at stage three. “We don’t live wholly at any moment in the fourth stage or the fifth stage or any stage; we are in all five stages simultaneously, as we send out or receive back various rejected qualities, projected substance, abandoned powers, each absent in different degrees, or retrievable with different schedules. (Bly 1988, 38)

Finally, we begin to see the light at stage five. We are empathetic and compassionate on this journey of exploration. We establish a new set of standards, to heal and regain confidence in ourselves. We move into a state of impartiality and give rid of the baggage we have carried. We are independent woman who can govern our day to day with an air of confidence and