I am a huge fan of the academic, broadcaster and writer, Mary Beard, as you may know. Mary said some time back:
We have not yet learned to hear the authority in women’s voices.
How true that is; it’s something I am oft to be found quoting. As with so many things, we women are held to a different standard than men and this is very apparent in the world of politics and how the media responds to us.
Hillary Clinton is a case in point and I am very grateful to one of my American friends, Bridget, for sending me this clip. Take a look at this link and watch the videos if you have time. Hillary is slated for being too loud (clearly not feminine enough and not meeting someone else’s ideal of womanhood) but, funnily enough, it’s not a problem when men get all shouty. This is a real problem for professional women who need to make sure their voices are heard. Being loud/passionate/assertive/out there is a virtue for men, a failing for women.
No wonder we women sometimes find it hard to Speak Up
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Posted on February 12th, 2016 by Jane
