Chapters 6-8

So while doing the readings, I asked a few of my guy friends on their thoughts (or rather didn't have to). My responses were the same as most of the class' have been so far, derogatory and rude. I stood up for the issue, and it was like he had never heard someone stand up for it before. The readings this week made me think deeper into the gender issue and what sets us apart. Everything that was being discussed about women was positive, and I don't understand why that frame of leadership isn't being grasped and followed by men. Women in general are more caring about others, able to communicate across lines of authority, can be team spirited, and strong. It upsets me to hear that the 3 traits of leadership in women in helping, listening, and teaching, are viewed as mothers, not leaders. I know that mothers are leaders, because I am a woman, but... do men think that way? Are they understanding that these are the qualities that leaders need to lead effectively? Media has a lot to do with the portrayal of women in leadership and roles. It was a good start with Mattel to put out a President Barbie, but it does say a lot that it is a Barbie, not portionate to itsself, and an unrealistic female icon. They asked that Barbie could stand on her own, and Mattel couldn't even produce that. Media shapes who we are and what we want to be. Those images stay with us for decades after they are produced. Change begins with a little bit business, and a little bit personal.