In class on Wednesday, November 18 we talked about leadership; what makes a good leader, what doesn’t, who we think are great leaders, and why that is. We also came to the striking conclusion that we did not mention one woman in our great leaders list. That made me starting think why as a society it is so easy to pick out men as strong leaders but not women.
My initial thoughts were because of the double standard and stereotype a woman will be shackled with as a strong leader. Good leaders are often described by masculine words such as aggressive, strong, determined, driven, and competitive. Growing up as a woman we are natural more nurturing, supporting, and caring. Look at the games we are told to play and the toys we are given as children. Boys play football, army men, and superheroes while girls play house, dress-up, and Barbie’s. If a woman in power tries to take on some of those masculine characteristics she is call cold, annoying, or impossible. She may be using the exact same strategies and language as a man in her same position but society would never judge a man so hard.
I do not want to come across as too harsh because there are several women in leadership positions and they are a great success. Ireland, Switzerland, Iceland, Argentina, Ukraine, and Lithuania are just a few countries that have a woman as the head of state. I think we are moving closer to an equilibrium, but until we can judge a leader by their skills and not which restroom they use will we reach our potential.
-Christy Penner
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