Shatter The Glass
#ShatterTheGlass became synonymous with Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and the prospect of electing the first woman U.S. President. The hashtag invoked the “glass ceiling” metaphor while emphasizing active destruction of barriers rather than passive observation.
Campaign Symbolism
Hillary Clinton’s campaign explicitly used glass ceiling imagery:
- Campaign events featured literal glass ceilings in venues
- “A woman’s place is in the White House” messaging
- Imagery of cracks spreading across glass surfaces
- The phrase “highest, hardest glass ceiling”
Primary Victory
On June 7, 2016, Clinton became the first woman to clinch a major party’s presidential nomination. Her victory speech declared: “Thanks to you, we’ve reached a milestone… the first time in our nation’s history that a woman will be a major party’s nominee.”
#ShatterTheGlass trended as supporters celebrated breaking this 240-year barrier.
Election Night
Clinton’s campaign planned a dramatic glass ceiling visual for her anticipated victory speech at New York’s Javits Center (which has a literal glass ceiling). Supporters wore white in honor of suffragettes.
When Donald Trump won the election, #ShatterTheGlass transformed from celebration to mourning. Clinton’s concession speech addressed “all the little girls… never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world.”
Cultural Aftermath
Following Clinton’s loss, #ShatterTheGlass remained active but shifted tone:
- Reflection on persistent sexism in politics
- Analysis of double standards Clinton faced
- Determination to continue fighting gender barriers
- Support for women running for office at all levels
2018-2020 Impact
The hashtag gained renewed energy during:
- 2018 midterms: Record number of women elected to Congress
- 2019-2020: Multiple women running for president (Warren, Harris, Klobuchar, Gabbard, Gillibrand, Williamson)
- 2020: Kamala Harris elected first woman Vice President
#ShatterTheGlass evolved from Clinton-specific symbolism to broader women’s political empowerment.
Sources: