Lately, I’m noticing a well-spring of articles and programs dedicated to the discussion of how girls and women are undermined by seemingly innocuous everyday societal norms. There was the glorious docu-style viral spot by Always that asked, “What does it mean to do something like a girl?” And how ‘bout that Verizon commercial, Inspire Her Mind, showing how girls are taught early on not to believe their contributions are valuable. There was this incredible blog post by Stephanie Giese comparing girls and boys clothing. And among numerous others, an insightful article written by Yashar Ali, Why Women Aren’t Crazy, which I am featuring today in my own blog.
I’ll keep this intro brief because I’d like to assure you take time to read the article. Yashar reflects very clearly and succinctly about the subversive ways women are lessened on a daily basis.
This is not a man-bashing extravaganza. In fact, the article was written by a man. It’s simply a thought-provoking look at how deep-rooted beliefs and societal norms have a lasting effect on the psyche of girls and women. Our spirits are often crippled before we’re even aware that it’s happening. I relate to and understand much of what he writes about. Women aren’t crazy. We’ve just been made to believe we are. I greatly appreciate that Yashar has shared his views on this topic.
Read the article here: http://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/why-women-arent-crazy/
Also, I recommend The Confidence Code by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman. It is a timely and powerful book on the essential quality of confidence and why it is so elusive for many women. It’s a mind-blowing read that compliments the thoughts proposed in Yashar Ali’s article.
There’s an article on CNN’s site today that talks about how waitresses have to endure sexual harassment, that ties into this topic quite well. I was a waitress for several years before earning my degree (and sometimes after that too) and can attest to that fact.
Gaslighting. This is so interesting to me.
I am so incredibly guilty of this and I didn’t even realize. I also use humor as a cover, too. My knee-jerk reaction to his reaction to the stewardess was that he had no sense of humor and he’s reading too deep into it, but….. But, couldn’t the reverse be said of me? Why am I not taking it more seriously? Hmmmm.
Your posts are always so thought provoking, Paige!
OMG girl this ties directly into your post about Penis Man in the laundry room (great name for a band)! Your reaction in that moment was a result of being gas lighted all these years. Good God there are light bulbs going off all over the place in my head!
As a woman in her 50’s, I’ve faced this in the banking industry my entire career. Women can’t just say what we mean in whatever way we please. We have to phrase things properly so we’re not looked upon as too bitchy (aggressive) or emotional (passionate) or passive (compromising). When we act like men we’re labeled these things but when we act like what we are, we’re crazy and dismissed.
We have come a very long way since I started my career in my navy Brooks Brothers suit, matching pumps and white blouse with a big floppy bow, but we still have a long way to go.
As a parent of girls I walk a fine line between encouraging them to be the badass ball busters in corporate America that I’d like them to be and allowing them to embrace what makes them happy…even if that means it comes in pink instead of blue.
I’ll be sharing this article with them. Thanks!
Sherry
Thank you for always commenting so thoughfully on my posts. It means a lot to me.
You’re so welcome. When I first started blogging I remember getting so excited when I got comments. It means so much to know someone is not only reading you but “gets” you too.
Soon you’ll have so many comments that I won’t be able to squeeze one in!!!
You’re a great blogger – keep writing.
Sherry
Thank you for always commenting so thoughfully on my posts.
Wow- I haven’t thought too much about this before but I’m definitely guilty of this. Thanks for sharing this article, Paige!
I am constantly apologizing to my husband saying “dude, I know I’m crazy but…” I don’t even realize when I’m saying it. What’s worse is I’m sure my daughter hears me saying it!! I will say that my husband always tells me “you’re not crazy!” Thank goodness!