Wilson – Intro, Chap 1 & 2

Hey Everyone, I know that we are still getting the contract & questions figured out. Thanks Laura Ann! But, I wanted to get my reaction, to the 1st reading we had, up since we had to post 2 things this week. So, here is my journal for Wilson the Intro, chap 1 & 2. I still have to finish my reading for the week, but I should have that one up tomorrow. I wasn't really sure what the Profs are looking for. So, I did mine more informal, but it is what I got from the reading....

I thought that the first chapters of this book were very informative as to how much we have not advanced, despite the overall appearance that people are more open-minded. While I do recognize that some amazing changes have taken place, it seems to me that despite all the work that people do, women seem to be at a stand-still. Many people think the work is done, that we are there and are treated equally with our male counterparts. If that is true how is that only 69 out of 435 members of the House of Representatives are women? And there are only 14 female senators! These statistics that Wilson gives are a reminder of how much work we still have in educating and empowering people.

I found it interesting that Wilson pointed out that many women are scared to admit that they lead or work differently than men. (Especially because I don't feel that way. I know I work & lead differently than the men that I've worked with and I value that difference, as it brings a different perspective to the table. And I think that the people that I have worked with value that difference, as well.) Why should it matter? Just because it is different doesn’t mean that it is wrong! Yet, many feel that admitting that difference is admitting to an inequality that exists between men and women. It’s like saying that all mothers should act and raise children like fathers do because they do it the “right” way! I think just as there are numerous “good” methods in raising children there are numerous and “good” ways to lead people and work.

Another fact that I found interesting, given the time, is that “79% of American’s [said that they were] ready for a woman president,” and “40% of men and women think that it will happen within the next five years.” Well, that time would be now, this next presidential election. And we have a woman running! Though, from what I hear on the radio, it doesn’t seem like she has as much support as people said in 2005. For instance, I heard on NPR over the weekend that she might not make a good candidate because of Bill Clinton’s office. I don’t think a man would be put in that same position and held to the same standards if the situation or roles were reversed. How is it her fault that he lied? And how does that make her a bad leader?