Deborah Tannen on Clinton

[A note: It should go without saying, but I know it doesn’t– This is not an argument against all criticism of Clinton. Nor is it an argument in favour of Clinton.  It is instead a discussion of particular barriers, related to gender, that Clinton faces.]

 

And they are all related to the double bind that confronts women in positions of authority, as I recently wrote in the Washington Post.A double bind means you must obey two commands, but anything you do to fulfill one violates the other. While the requirements of a good leader and a good man are similar, the requirements of a good leader and a good woman are mutually exclusive. A good leader must be tough, but a good woman must not be. A good woman must be self-deprecating, but a good leader must not be.

For more, go here.

Obama discusses online harassment of women

“Obviously, this is not unique to the Internet,” Obama added. “Women have been up against this kind of nonsense since the beginning of time. As long as women have dared to enter the public space — whether they’re fighting for their rights or simply walking the streets, there have been times where they’ve been harassed by those who apparently see the mere presence of women as a threat.”

Obama said that while it’s important for women to continue to speak up about online harassment, it’s also integral that men join in. “This is not just the role for women,” he said. “It’s about men speaking up and demanding better of themselves and their peers, their sons, their friends, their coworkers. Because we’re all in this together.”

For more, go here.