Mad Women

People often wonder why women don’t do better in business, why we are paid 50-70% of what men are paid. I believe it’s a problem without a single answer. Certainly, some still believe that women must carry the full burden of child rearing, while the men work – a 1950s era system that has outlived its relevance. I mean, “Mad Men” is a cool show to watch, but do we live in this world anymore? I could go off on that tangent, but there’s another piece of the puzzle I have personally experienced, and recently. Women are frequently ostracized and pushed down by other women. The psychological implications could be argued here, but the fact is that when a female stands up for herself and speaks her mind, she is generally considered to be acting “defensive, argumentative, confrontational”. If a man does the same, he is considered to be “strong, decisive, leadership material”. In business as in personal life, many women in high positions still seek men who will “take care of them”, while tough, outspoken women are considered a threat. Intelligence, frank speaking and forthrightness are rarely appreciated in women by either sex. No wonder many smart women choose to keep their mouths shut and say everything is “perfect” and “fine” just to keep the peace, to play the game.